Abstract
This research examined the personal security vulnerabilities of Black women in Gauteng Province, South Africa, addressing a significant gap in the literature that often overlooks the aspect of race. Given that Black African people constitute 81.4% of South Africa’s population, understanding the unique insecurities faced by Black women was crucial. The study aimed to contribute to academic discourse by revealing key societal issues in South Africa and developing targeted solutions for different racial groups.
The research evaluates existing policies and strategies related to women's security and empowerment, identifying root causes, persistent challenges, and factors contributing to the insecurities of Black women. The main research question asks: “How can Black women's security in South Africa be better understood through the framework of intersectional feminism?” Sub-questions examine the dominant forms of violence and insecurity, the influence of cultural and societal norms, the effectiveness of current policies, and practical methods for improving Black women's security. The study focuses on two major areas: financial/economic security and gender-based violence.
Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyse the selected data using a systematised literature review. Intersectionality theory was used to unpack the understanding of Black women’s security issues and GBV in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The research seeks to add meaningful insights to ongoing discourses and literature by addressing these issues, ultimately contributing to developing more effective and equitable policies and interventions for black women’s security in South Africa.
Keywords: Black women, Economic Security, Gauteng Province, Gender-based violence, Intersectionality, South Africa