Christabelle S. Moyo

Bio: Christabelle S. Moyo is an academic researcher from University of Venda. The author has contributed to research in topics: Empowerment & Rural area. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 5 publications receiving 39 citations.

Community-perceived state of women empowerment in some rural areas of Limpopo Province South Africa

Abstract: Active involvement of grassroots community members in finding sustainable solutions to women empowerment is crucial. However, it is necessary to build a common understanding, among local interest groups, of the current state of women empowerment first. This study investigated the perceived state of women empowerment in some rural areas of Makhado Municipality in South Africa. A total of 5 924 people comprising children, youth, women, men and local leaders voluntarily participated in the study. Data were collected from 41 villages in three Wards through reflection circles in which questionnaires requiring responses on a Likert-type scale were administered. Although the state of women empowerment in terms of access to resources, awareness creation, participation and control was appreciable, considerable challenges still existed. The results of this study underscored the need for mounting capacity enhancement interventions to address the challenges confronting women empowerment in rural areas.

Perceptions of community-based field workers on the effect of a longitudinal biomedical research project on their sustainable livelihoods

Abstract: Researchers involved in biomedical community-based projects rarely seek the perspectives of community fieldworkers, who are the ‘foot soldiers’ in such projects. Understanding the effect of biomedical research on community-based field workers could identify benefits and shortfalls that may be crucial to the success of community-based studies. The present study explored the perceptions of community-based field workers on the effect of the Etiology, Risk Factors and Interactions of Enteric Infections and Malnutrition and the Consequences for Child Health and Development Project" (MAL-ED) South Africa on their tangible and intangible capital which together comprise sustainable livelihoods. The study was conducted in Dzimauli community in Limpopo Province of South Africa between January-February 2016. The sustainable livelihoods framework was used to query community-based field workers’ perspectives of both tangible assets such as income and physical assets and intangible assets such as social capital, confidence, and skills. Data were collected through twenty one individual in-depth interviews and one focus group discussion. Data were analysed using the Thematic Content Analysis approach supported by ATLAS.ti, version 7.5.10 software. All the field workers indicated that they benefitted from the MAL-ED South Africa project. The benefits included intangible assets such as acquisition of knowledge and skills, stronger social capital and personal development. Additionally, all indicated that MAL-ED South Africa provided them with the tangible assets of increased income and physical assets. Observations obtained from the focus group discussion and the community-based leaders concurred with the findings from the in-depth interviews. Additionally, some field workers expressed the desire for training in public relations, communication, problem solving and confidence building. The MAL-ED South Africa, biomedical research project, had positive effects on tangible and intangible assets that compose the sustainable livelihoods of community-based fieldworkers. However, the field workers expressed the need to acquire social skills to enable them carry out their duties more efficiently.

Women Empowerment Initiatives for Rural Development in South Africa: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

Abstract: In this paper we present a review of secondary data on women empowerment in the rural areas of South Africa. The review reveals that information as well as material, financial and social resources needed for empowering women are often lacking. Yet, information and economic resources determine the achievement of proper nutrition, good education, participation in decision-making processes and politics. Also, better engagement of grassroots communities accelerates the unlocking of women’s potential, boosts their self-esteem and effectively mobilizes the support of crucial stakeholders within their areas of residence. Although considerable progress has been made in creating an enabling environment for women empowerment, there is still need for improving the dissemination of information and developing viable economic empowerment models for women, in particular those in rural areas. We conclude that for women to benefit meaningfully from the empowerment initiatives of the South African government it is imperative to involve women and their communities, in particular men and local leaders, at all stages of the project cycle.

Grassroots Communities' Perceptions Relating to Extent of Control as A Pillar of Women Empowerment in Makhado Municipality of South Africa

Abstract: Empowerment aims at assisting the disadvantaged members of society to take control of their livelihoods. However, questions still arise as to whether women have full control of their lives given the socio-cultural dynamics that are at play in their communities. The study examined the extent to which 'control' was a factor in the empowerment of women in some rural areas of South Africa. A total of 5 924 participants took part in a village-level confirmatory study in which data were collected through questionnaires. The Categorical Data Modelling technique and the pseudo Duncan multiple range procedure were used for data analysis. Significant Interest Group differences were detected (P < 0.10) among the participants' responses. Also, significant inter-Ward differences were detected for the perception; women are excellent role models for children and youth. Results showed that much still needed to be done in as far as women's control of resources was concerned.

Impact of a biomedical research project on the human capital development of emerging researchers.

Abstract: Various evaluative studies have been carried out to obtain the views of multiple stakeholders involved in community-based biomedical research projects. However, rarely have the viewpoints of postgraduate students and junior faculty involved in such initiatives been explored. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the views of postgraduate students and junior faculty at a rural-based university on the effect of a longitudinal biomedical research project on their acquisition of relevant skills. In-depth interviews and a focus group discussion were conducted. The thematic content analysis technique was used to analyse the qualitative data. Both postgraduate student and junior faculty groups indicated that they had acquired considerable research skills and knowledge; gained experience; were exposed to practical reality; and strengthened their interpersonal skills and general personal development. However, some respondents highlighted that they still believed that training in data analysis and exposure to new laboratory techniques would have strengthened their individual capabilities to conduct cutting-edge research. The results of this study highlight the need for community-based biomedical researchers to equip members of their teams with the skills and knowledge that will help them achieve their academic and career goals. Significance: The importance of engaging study participants to get their views on the ‘hidden’ value of biomedical research projects has been identified. The need for community-based researchers to equip members of their teams with relevant research skills and knowledge has been emphasised. The results of this study can be useful in the planning and implementation of similar projects in the future.

Effects of ‘women empowerment’ on household food security in rural KwaZulu-Natal province

Abstract: Understanding the dimensions of ‘women's empowerment’ that influence food security among rural households is crucial to inform policy. This study uses the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) to identify the food security status of 300 primary female-headed households in Msinga, South Africa. Principal Component Analysis was then used to identify the various dimensions along which the rural women sampled were empowered. Finally, the Ordered Logit model was used to identify the dimensions of women's empowerment that influence their household food security status. It was found that households headed by women with higher levels of economic agency, physical capital empowerment, psychological empowerment and farm financial management skills empowerment were more likely to be food secure.

Gendered Microlending Schemes of Sustainable Women's Empowerment in Nigeria

Abstract: Micro-lending to poor women has burst upon the development scene to offer a veritable strategy for womens empowerment in developing countries. Despite the powerful logic of this strategy and donors commitment to it there is lack of field-based data regarding whether the strategy really supports the sustainable empowerment of poor women. Relying specifically on definitions of womens empowerment offered by Keller and Mbwewe (1991) and Ashford (2001) and data emerging from my fieldwork in Nigeria I argue that there is little evidence that the strategy promotes the goal of sustainable womens empowerment. While micro-credit schemes increase poor womens access to incomes they often fail to help women step out of their culturally defined boundaries. Rather the strategy merely supports the kind of empowerment that never goes beyond marginal improvements in small areas of poor local womens life leaving unchallenged the critical issues of women subordination and gender inequality. (authors)

Analysing risk and resilience of rural school youth by means of the first sand tray

Abstract: Analysing risk and resilience of rural school youth by means of the first sand tray Supervisor: Prof. Carien Lubbe-De Beer Co-supervisor: Prof. Liesel Ebersöhn Degree: Magister Educationis (Educational Psychology) The purpose of the study was to explore and describe (Gray, 2009) how an analysis of risk and resilience in the first sand tray of youth in a rural school may inform knowledge on psychological assessment in South Africa as well as assessment for resilience in high adversity settings. The study forms part of a continuing investigation of the Centre for the Study of Resilience with regards to the nature of school-based Educational Psychology services in remote South Africa. An instrumental case study design was used to identify risk and resilience in the first sand trays of 25 youth at a rural school in Mpumalanga. The youth were between the ages of 13 and 19. Data was gathered in the form of visual data (photographs), client narratives and Academic Service Learning student reflections. The results indicated that the first sand trays of youth at a rural school in South Africa can be effectively used in assessing resilience. Indicators of both risk and protective resources emerged during data analysis. Within the first sand tray violence and a need for protection, unfulfilled basicand nurturance needs, and gender inequality and conflict emerged as indicators of risk. Spirituality, fulfilled needs, and a sense of belonging emerged as protective resources. These findings indicate that within a highly diverse, and, adverse setting, sand trays can be used to assess resilience.

The Influence of Women's Empowerment on Poverty Reduction in the Rural Areas of Bangladesh: Focus on Health, Education and Living Standard.

Abstract: Women's empowerment has a great influence on health, nutrition, education, and the overall well-being of societies as well as of the children and households. This study investigates the effect of women's empowerment on poverty reduction and focuses on household deprivation, in terms of education, health, and standard of living. Primary data was collected from 914 married women from rural areas of Bangladesh using a well-structured questionnaire and a random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and ordinary least squares models were used in this study. The results indicate that increased women's access to education, asset ownership, decision-making power on children's health and education, and access to medical facilities, have caused a significant decline in income poverty and multidimensional poverty. However, gender violence, taking resources against women's will, and preventing women from working outside, have caused a considerable decline in per capita income and an increase in income poverty and multidimensional poverty. Overall, it is found that women's empowerment has a great impact on the reduction of income poverty and multidimensional poverty in society. The findings of the study can assist and guide policymakers to initiate appropriate strategies for women's empowerment to reducing poverty in Bangladesh while making progress towards other social and developmental goals.