ABSTRACT
Although Nego-feminism has been practiced in South Africa in the post-democracy period, there is little empirical evidence about how it translates into action. Nego-feminism propagates an application of Afrocentric practices that seek to mitigate the contradictions and distortions of Colonialism that perpetuate the abuse of women. In South Africa, traditional leaders are located within rural areas where government services take longer than usual to respond to women who have been abused. Historically the institution of traditional leadership has been criticised for its male hegemony and patriarchal treatment of women. It is believed that Nego-feminist practices are profound in shaping Senior Women Traditional Leaders’ identities in their private spaces and for asserting their rights in the public spaces. Qualitative interviews were held with 21 Senior Women Traditional Leaders, who shared their experiences of providing care and support to women who struggle with various levels of abuse in their private lives while lobbying for policy changes. The study highlights specific leadership qualities, advanced interpersonal skills and support networks at the disposal of participants when addressing women abuse. The chapter concludes with a call for Senior Women Traditional Leaders and social workers to adopt a Nego-feminist approach in practice when addressing male hegemonic behaviour in rural African traditional communities.
