'But now I dream about my house': Women's empowerment and housing delivery in urban KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Since 1994 the post-apartheid government has been investing in low-cost housing delivery. Besides providing funding, the state's housing delivery process has aimed to empower communities, particularly women. Using data collected in communities in urban KwaZulu-Natal through focus group discussions and household interviews, this paper examines the extent to which women have been empowered by their participation in housing delivery. The findings show empowerment has been achieved at different levels in the housing delivery process. The paper argues that to understand the extent to which it has been achieved it is important to examine all of the different aspects of the housing sector and the intensity of women's involvement. © 2009 Development Bank of Southern Africa.