Political violence and gender: a neglected relation in South Africa's struggle for democracy

Abstract

This article argues that political violence in South Africa is strongly gendered, both in its form as well as in the way's in which it is experienced by men and women. Drawing on interviews and secondary sources, the article traces the changing nature of political violence during the periods of armed struggle and the transition to democracy. The author shows the integral relationship between ideologies of gender and power, and stresses the continuities between the public and private realms of society. It is argued that political violence is not separate from domestic forms of violence, but is a further aspect of patriarchal power relations. The article further examines the attempts of women's organisations to mobilise politically against violence against women, and contends that a strong social movement of women will make a decisive difference in this struggle.