South Africa: Journey to Empowerment and Gender Equality

“I understand now the struggle my husband had — the pressure from his family, his anger when I worked while he was unemployed. It was about power and gender.”

These words from Philisiwe Xulu, a community member from Mthonjaneni, KwaZulu-Natal, capture a profound moment of reflection. Her journey with Justice and Women (JAW) under the Women’s Voice and Leadership-SA (WVL-SA) programme has transformed her understanding of gender dynamics and empowered her to take control of her life.

A Journey of Learning and Resilience

Philisiwe joined the project at a time when her household was under strain. She was caring for her brother-in-law, who lives with a disability and struggles with alcohol abuse. “I felt powerless,” she recalls. “He spent money on alcohol instead of his needs.”

Through the project, Philisiwe learned practical strategies to manage these challenges. She successfully approached SASSA to increase her brother-in-law’s grant and revived her vegetable garden, planting crops to support her family. These steps gave her a sense of agency and hope.

But the most significant change was internal. “I learned how power works — what gives others power and why women are oppressed because of gender,” she says. Discussions on gender roles and social norms helped her reflect on her own experiences, including the painful memories of her husband’s resistance to her employment years ago.

Breaking the Silence on Gender Norms

Philisiwe recalls working as a cleaner in a government office in Mpangeni while her husband was unemployed. “He locked the door and hid the keys so I couldn’t catch the bus. Another day, he came to my workplace and asked my boss to fire me. They refused.”

The pressure from his family to keep her at home fueled his aggression. “He was angry without reason,” she says. “Now I understand — it was about power and gender expectations.”

This realization has become a cornerstone of her advocacy within her family. “I teach my sons and daughters about using power with, not power over. It’s not healthy to dominate someone. We need to talk about struggles openly.”

From Personal Change to Community Impact

Philisiwe’s transformation is not limited to her household. She shares her knowledge with others in her community, challenging harmful norms and promoting gender equality. Her vegetable garden has become a symbol of resilience and self-reliance, inspiring other women to take similar steps.

By addressing issues of care work and unpaid labor, Philisiwe highlights the invisible burdens women carry. Her story underscores the importance of economic empowerment and gender-sensitive support systems.

The Role of WVL-SA and JAW

The change in Philisiwe’s life is deeply linked to the support from Justice and Women (JAW) through the WVL-SA grant. The project provided not only practical assistance but also a safe space for dialogue and reflection. “Being part of the project was helpful for me, even though I’m older,” she says. “I learned to deal with challenges and gained confidence.”

Looking Ahead

Philisiwe plans to continue advocating for gender equality and sharing lessons on power dynamics with her family and community. Her story is a powerful example of how knowledge and support can break cycles of oppression and create lasting change.

Closing Reflection

Philisiwe Xulu is a true Driver of Change. Her journey from struggle to empowerment demonstrates the transformative impact of gender-focused interventions. By challenging norms and fostering dialogue, she is paving the way for healthier relationships and stronger communities.

By: Philisiwe Xulu.