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Decent Work and Economic Growth- For policymakers
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Role of economic development cooperatives in improving the livelihoods of women in Gauteng, South Africa
Brief about:
Journal Article (2021)
Written by:
The limitations of neoliberal politics and economic globalisation have contributed to feminisation of poverty in Global South countries. The implementation of cooperatives has played a visible role in localising the economy and addressing poverty amongst women, and this paper attempts to advance empirical evidence in the field of social development and feminisation of poverty.
South Africa has an extremely high unemployment rate. Of the around 58 million population, 18 million people are benefiting from social state grants.
My concern in general and this research in particular has been to help women who are completely dependent on the state grants to become more economically productive.
The object of this specific paper was to find out what the effect of the NPO (non-profit organisation) in Gauteng has had on the lives of eight women who participated in this study.
What it means
Several articles published from my social work intervention research in the Bhambayi community in the province of KwaZulu Natal are examples of best practice which supports the relevance of the sustainable livelihoods approach and poverty alleviation amongst poor women.
I have had a few master’s students who have been working within their own contexts that show the benefits of the 2005 Cooperatives Development policy. But there is a lack of awareness and support from the private sector and the government itself in respect of providing funding, training and support to enhance sustainability of these projects.
Key findings
- The main finding was that by partnering with this non-profit organisation, women really benefited in many ways.What it means
They benefited in terms of the training they received and their own sense of empowerment, but also by increasing the networks amongst themselves, maintaining close contact and a support group every month where they would meet and share experiences and problem solve together. It was really great to know that organisations like this NPO facilitates women and economic empowerment.
Proposed action
- Women should be supported in their psychosocial needs
A lot of them feel very lonely and isolated, and setting up a business forum where they can share their experiences monthly would be useful.
- The state needs to provide access funding, state loans or microcredit
Access to microcredit is really important, because it allows women to pool together and pay back their loans together and empower them to become economically active. To do so, social workers should get involved in advocating and lobbying.
- NPO and cooperative projects like this one should be encouraged, since they facilitate economic development, human skills development and social networking
- Policymakers need to focus on supporting the informal economy
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Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Antoine Germain for preparation assistance
We would like to extend a special thank you to Antoine Germain, for their invaluable contribution in assisting the preparation of this research summary.
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Role of economic development cooperatives in improving the livelihoods of women in Gauteng, South Africa
Cite this brief: Raniga, Tanusha. 'Role of economic development cooperatives in improving the livelihoods of women in Gauteng, South Africa'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/role-of-economic-development-cooperatives-in-improving-the-livelihoods-of-women-in-gauteng-south-africa/
Brief created by: Professor Tanusha Raniga | Year brief made: 2022
Original research:
- Raniga, T., ‘Role of economic development cooperatives in improving the livelihoods of women in Gauteng, South Africa’ 38(4) (pp. 591–606) https://doi.org/10.1080/0376835X.2021.1906628. – https://doi.org/10.1080/0376835X.2021.1906628
Research brief:
The limitations of neoliberal politics and economic globalisation have contributed to feminisation of poverty in Global South countries. The implementation of cooperatives has played a visible role in localising the economy and addressing poverty amongst women, and this paper attempts to advance empirical evidence in the field of social development and feminisation of poverty.
South Africa has an extremely high unemployment rate. Of the around 58 million population, 18 million people are benefiting from social state grants.
My concern in general and this research in particular has been to help women who are completely dependent on the state grants to become more economically productive.
The object of this specific paper was to find out what the effect of the NPO (non-profit organisation) in Gauteng has had on the lives of eight women who participated in this study.
Findings:
The main finding was that by partnering with this non-profit organisation, women really benefited in many ways.
They benefited in terms of the training they received and their own sense of empowerment, but also by increasing the networks amongst themselves, maintaining close contact and a support group every month where they would meet and share experiences and problem solve together. It was really great to know that organisations like this NPO facilitates women and economic empowerment.
Advice:
Women should be supported in their psychosocial needs
- A lot of them feel very lonely and isolated, and setting up a business forum where they can share their experiences monthly would be useful.
The state needs to provide access funding, state loans or microcredit
- Access to microcredit is really important, because it allows women to pool together and pay back their loans together and empower them to become economically active. To do so, social workers should get involved in advocating and lobbying.
NPO and cooperative projects like this one should be encouraged, since they facilitate economic development, human skills development and social networking
Policymakers need to focus on supporting the informal economy
Extra:
Several articles published from my social work intervention research in the Bhambayi community in the province of KwaZulu Natal are examples of best practice which supports the relevance of the sustainable livelihoods approach and poverty alleviation amongst poor women.
I have had a few master’s students who have been working within their own contexts that show the benefits of the 2005 Cooperatives Development policy. But there is a lack of awareness and support from the private sector and the government itself in respect of providing funding, training and support to enhance sustainability of these projects.