Women’s rights to land crucial in fight against GBV: CGE

 

As South Africa observes 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the Commission for Gender Equality says ensuring women’s rights to land ownership is crucial to protecting them against the scourge. 

The Commission was in the North West province yesterday, engaging traditional leaders on the challenges faced by women in accessing communal land.

The hearings follow complaints laid by some residents, who say land is not being allocated to men and women equally. 

Among the contentious issues is the preferential treatment given to married couples, with young and single women excluded from communal land ownership. 

Currently, women of the Bafokeng nation become eligible for allocated land at the age of 40.

Dr Dennis Matotoka from the Commission says this practice is concerning, as it may leave vulnerable women dependent and trapped in a cycle of violence.

“Because of the levels of gender-based violence and femicide, women need protection and shelter,” he said. 

“It becomes concerning when women have no option but to stay with perpetrators,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bafokeng elders have defended the practice of preferential land allocation, claiming it’s essential to preserving the traditional family structure.

The traditional leaders have, however, expressed an openness to evolving their customs and practices.

According to the CEO of the Royal Bafokeng Nation Development Trust, Obakeng Phetwe, it’s a misconception that patriarchal societies are inherently oppressive to women. 

“When a man and woman divorce in our society, the woman and her children automatically inherit the property… It shows we prioritise protecting the family,” he said.

The commission has at the same time welcomed the willingness of traditional leaders to adapt. 

Commissioner, Mulalo Nemataheni, has maintained that the body’s work is not about chastising traditional leaders or infringing on a community’s way of life, but rather ensuring that the constitutional rights of all South Africans are upheld. 

“Every person has the right to feel respected. At the end of the day, we are all responsible for the quality of life of South Africans,” said the commissioner.