Oppression and Resistance: The Struggle of Women in Southern Africa

Abstract

are very far-too far-in the future. The principal issue is still, simply, survival. In an afterword, Huston summarizes the information provided her by both grassroots women and those in leadership positions. Short-term needs include personal self-confidence and an understanding of women's importance in community and national life. Allied to these are practical instruction in health, nutrition, family planning, and earning skills. Leadership training is another priority, as is the development of participatory skills through experience in group efforts, civic education, and knowledge of legislation and rights. The principal long-term need is seen to be a legitimate national agency to explore the changing situations, roles, and requirements of women at the local, regional, and national levels. Specific program suggestions focus on increased training of women trainers and field workers, support for self-help and volunteer efforts, and simple technologies. Huston also points out that women's organizations and the communications media are largely untapped resources in the development effort, both of these depending largely on the support of government agencies and national leadership. These women are at their most hopeful when they speak of working together to help themselves-building a nursery school for cooperative day care, organizing crafts shops, or simply gathering together to exchange information. In the context of such lives, one woman with a skill, a strength, or a vision to share with a few others can be an enormous influence for change. It is that woman-the poor and ignorant woman whom no development planner or international program officer consults-whose sense of urgency, responsibility, and motivation is the key to successful development efforts. This book helps her voice to be heard.