Abstract for presentation at Global Social Work 2004

In the eyes of the world South Africa epitomizes a model of conflict resolution second to none and one which many countries would no doubt contemplate emulating. In the last decade most South Africans have witnessed a revolutionary change in legislation and the consequent re-engineering of political and social structures of society. The hurdles of the first democratic elections have to some extent been successfully negotiated and the task of achieving the goals of transformation will be the priority of all South Africans. The success of this transformation is contingent on many factors of which special mention must be made of the need for inclusivity of all South Africans. Despite the historical institutional marginalisation of Black South African women, their participation as well as their supportive role was crucial in advocating for change and for a more equitable and just society for all. Women's role and position in society more often than not is perceived within the tenuous duality of motherhood and economic independence. For South Africans, women's issues are central to the democratic transition and in the debates around decision-making and citizenship (Mcewan, 2001). The reality of the situation in South Africa is that issues of race, class, privilege and power which were epitomized by the old South Africa are still very prevalent today. Globally, women have achieved a great deal of success in almost every sphere or life. Within these successes there still exist complex questions around women's full participation in socio-economic and political issues. At the core of women's participation in world issues lies the question of empowerment and collective action. This paper will assert that the integration of self reliance with collective action is inevitable in transcending barriers that have systematically excluded women as citizens of the country. In addressing the issue of empowerment, the paper will explore different traditions of grassroots participation within which the objectives of collective action is realized. Hence, the critical role of women in reclaiming society cannot be seen as disparate from their immediate environments. The paper falls within the scope of Group 11:Women's Symposium.