We want to live a better life like other people: Self-assessed development needs of rural women in Ndwedwe,KwaZulu-Natal

This case study was conducted in two tribal wards in the Ndwedwe district of KwaZulu-Natal and was designed to gain a better understanding of how rural women see their role in development, a role which is acknowledged by the new government. Focus group discussions with 40 local women covered their perceptions of community development roles, successful community projects, development needs and feelings of empowerment. Perceived development priorities differed according to standard of living. The women from the better serviced Mavela ward cited piped water and electricity in the home as important development needs. For the women living in the remoter Cibane ward more basic needs such as safe water, housing and access roads were priorities. Women involved in successful gardening projects were bolder in making demands for government assistance in bringing infrastructure development to their area, suggesting gains in empowerment. Generally, the women aspired to levels of service provision similar to those found in the city but stated that they could not afford to pay the installation costs. Their strong commitment to a rural lifestyle prompted the women to call for government support to make their own efforts to develop their rural communities worthwhile.