Explaining the decline of women's political leadership in South Africa

Dikeledi Mokoena and Jabulisile Shabalala

Chapter 9 in The Elgar Companion to Democracy and Development in Africa, 2026, pp 159-173 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Women's political participation is critical for a well-functioning democracy, specifically in leadership positions where they can set the agenda and influence decision-making. While many studies have examined the increasing trend of women's representation in the South African political landscape post-democracy, this chapter explores the losses emanating from women exiting the political space and helps us understand specific reasons for the decline in women's political leadership in South Africa. It reveals that there are varying factors that explain these behavioural patterns (exits), namely gender stereotypes, political party dynamics, limited agency and access, cultural norms and perceptions, economic barriers, and ageism. The interpretations of this chapter through the lens of feminist theory show that women need to reclaim agency, limit male interference in their processes, and re-educate society to resist, prevent, and limit patriarchal norms and standards.

Keywords: Political Leadership; South Africa; Women's Political Participation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035348176
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