Gender issues in housing delivery in the Free State since 1994

Abstract

Although policies have become far more gender-sensitive there is still no guarantee that females and males have ‘comparatively speaking’ the same access to housing opportunities. In South Africa (specifically the Free State), although the housing policy has no discriminatory clauses it does not necessarily impact positively on the living conditions of women. While specific attempts are being made to increase the role played by women in the construction of houses, the power dynamic is overwhelming against women. More attention needs to be paid to understanding gender issues and effectively integrating their implications into policy.