Gender and Participation: Critical Reflection on Zenzeleni Networks in Mankosi, South Africa

This paper delves into the intricate gender dynamics within Zenzeleni Networks in Mankosi, South Africa. It offers a fresh perspective on participation, examining who participates and how. Using a feminist framework, including social constructionist theory and intersectionality, it analyzes the multi-layered injustices that affect women\’s choices, agency, and ownership. Through interviews and discussions with local women and those associated with Zenzeleni Networks, the study reveals that gendered power dynamics persist within the community network. Despite women\’s crucial role in its operation, their contributions are often relegated to domestic responsibilities, leading to a lack of recognition and representation for their work.