Understanding the dynamics surrounding women’s participation in traditional leadership among the Vhavenda, in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Women's leadership has historically received little attention from academics. Information on male traditional leaders has historically dominated traditional leadership and leadership in general. Among the Vhavenda, women only participate, to a certain extent, in traditional leadership roles, for there have always been obstacles for them to overcome; men dominate in leadership roles, particularly in traditional settings. Patriarchal barriers, which are still regarded as inviolable in many societies on the African continent, could be the cause of this. Minimum research has been conducted about women in traditional leadership roles, therefore, this study examines the processes of selecting traditional leaders among the Vhavenda. selection processes in South Africa, Limpopo Province. A qualitative research approach was used, and data was gathered through semi-structured interviews; eight male and eight female participants were chosen using non-probability purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The data was analysed thematically analysis method. The study indicated that the traditional selection of the heirs to the throne limited women’s participation in the positions of headmen, chiefs, and kings. The study concludes that cultural barriers, socialisation, the selection process in conferring chieftaincy, and family and societal support are largely patriarchal. The study suggests that government officials and cultural guardians should properly consult with one another, regardless of gender, to create more inclusive communities.