Accessing Housing Finance in South Africa: The Role of Women Activism

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Abstract

Women's history in South Africa is replete with examples of exclusion, discrimination, and marginalization. The transition to democracy in 1994 and inclusion of gender equality in the post-apartheid constitution in 1996 were seen as steps in the right direction towards addressing women's oppression and creating gender equity in accessing housing finance. The subsequent formulation of policies and institutions meant to achieve gender equality put women's concerns in the public domain. However women's access to capital and housing finance in particular remain challenges in accessing improved housing.

An exploration of women's position with regard to housing finance …