The implementation of The Village Township Small Dorpies (VTSD) strategy for rural development: a gender and development approach

Abstract

Gender, especially the involvement of Gender and development initiatives, and the development paradigm is primarily guided by the tenet of westernisation, modernisation, and Economic Development. The article proposes a paradigm shift in Africa, particularly South Africa that proposes women be active participants. Thus, the limitation of Western paradigms in addressing the development addenda in Africa and the gender and Development paradigm, especially on developing communities. South African government introduced programmes, such as the National Development Plan Visio 2030, to address development issues in South Africa and the inequalities and inclusive nature of rural Development. The Village Township Small Dorpies are strategies to implement the NDP in the North West Province. The article emphasises the importance of addressing inequality by implementing a Gender and development approach. The article contends that when women are economically and socially empowered, they become effective change agents in rural Development. The article contends that when women are provided with access to resources will play a significant role in Development, as they play many significant, responsible roles and possess more knowledge than men.