"We are a Family That Doesn't Have Much Every Day, so we Eat What we Get": The Bodily Health of a Group of Rural Women Living in South Africa

Authors

  • Shelley Ann Vickerman University of the Western Cape
  • Fatiema Benjamin University of the Western Cape
  • Dr Chinyakata University of the Western Cape
  • Mulalo Mpilo University of the Free State
  • Professor Roman University of the Western Cape

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63315/jrcd.v20i1.2361

Abstract

South Africa's health system continues to exhibit stark inequalities, with the well-being of individuals inextricably linked to their geographic location and social position. This study explored the concept of bodily health from the perspective of women living in rural areas, employing the human capabilities approach as a theoretical framework. Using a qualitative, exploratory approach, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 45 participants, including parents, caregivers, and key stakeholders, in two rural towns in South Africa. Participants' understanding of health varied, and they highlighted the inadequacy of healthcare services available to them. The findings reveal the multifaceted nature of rural health, where factors such as the proximity of healthcare facilities, the availability of medical personnel and supplies, and the level of trust in the healthcare system all play a crucial role in shaping individuals' experiences and perceptions of bodily health. Collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders are necessary to develop and implement comprehensive approaches that ensure equitable access to quality healthcare and nutrition in rural areas, ultimately fostering the well-being of individuals and families. This study underscores the importance of a capabilities-oriented perspective in understanding and addressing the complex realities of rural health in South Africa, where the interplay of geography, socioeconomic status, and intersectional identities profoundly shapes the pursuit of optimal bodily health.

Keywords: food insecurity; human capabilities approach; rural healthcare; rural women's health, South Africa

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« Nous sommes une famille qui n’a pas grand-chose chaque jour, alors nous mangeons ce que nous recevons » : la santé corporelle d'un groupe de femmes rurales vivant en Afrique du Sud

Le système de santé sud-africain continue de présenter de fortes inégalités, le bien-être des individus étant inextricablement lié à leur situation géographique et à leur position sociale. Cette étude a exploré le concept de santé corporelle du point de vue des femmes vivant dans les zones rurales, en utilisant l'approche des capacités humaines comme cadre théorique. À l'aide d'une approche qualitative et exploratoire, des entretiens individuels semi-structurés ont été menés auprès de 45 participants, dont des parents, des soignants et des parties prenantes clés, dans deux villes rurales d'Afrique du Sud. La compréhension de la santé par les participants variait et ils ont souligné l'insuffisance des services de santé mis à leur disposition. Les résultats révèlent la nature multidimensionnelle de la santé rurale, où des facteurs tels que la proximité des établissements de santé, la disponibilité du personnel et des fournitures médicales et le niveau de confiance dans le système de santé jouent un rôle crucial dans la formation des expériences et des perceptions des individus en matière de santé corporelle. Des efforts de collaboration entre diverses parties prenantes sont nécessaires pour développer et mettre en oeuvre des approches globales garantissant un accès équitable à des soins de santé et à une nutrition de qualité dans les zones rurales, favorisant à terme le bien-être des individus et des familles. Cette étude souligne l'importance d'une perspective axée sur les capacités pour comprendre et aborder les réalités complexes de la santé rurale en Afrique du Sud, où l'interaction de la géographie, du statut socio-économique et des identités intersectionnelles façonne profondément la recherche d'une santé corporelle optimale.

Mots-clés : insécurité alimentaire, approche des capacités humaines, soins de santé ruraux, santé des femmes rurales, Afrique du Sud

Author Biographies

Shelley Ann Vickerman, University of the Western Cape

Shelley Ann Vickerman is a registered counsellor and a PhD candidate in the Child and Family Studies Unit at the University of the Western Cape. Her PhD focuses on Developing a needs model for the health and well-being of adolescents during matrescence using the Capabilities Approach. Shelley is also working on multiple projects in collaboration with international universities focused on human trafficking and parenting practices in Africa. Her research experience has been in the School of Public Health (UWC) working on a photovoice study that focused on the health experiences of adolescents accessing ART, a household intervention that focused on creating HIV/AIDS competent households – Sinako, that is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Antwerp and “The experiences of transgender female sex workers within their occupation families and the healthcare system” as her Masters.

Fatiema Benjamin, University of the Western Cape

Fatiema Benjamin, MA, is a PhD candidate in the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society at the University of the Western Cape. Her research interests include early childhood development, mental health in children, socio-emotional development, parenting, and social issues such as exploitation and human trafficking. She has published locally and internationally.

Dr Chinyakata, University of the Western Cape

Rachel Chinyakata, PhD, is the Head of Research at SIHMA working on human mobility, migration policies, migration and health, gender, migration and climate and vulnerable minors research. She is passionate about conducting research that contributes knowledge development, informed policies and programmes and promotes the rights and well-being of individuals and vulnerable groups.

Mulalo Mpilo, University of the Free State

Mulalo Mpilo (M.A. Psychology) is a Lecturer based at the Department of Psychology at the University of the Free State and is enrolled for her doctoral studies at the University of the Westeren Cape. Her research interests are in the area of children’s subjective well-being and quality of life, adolescents’ subjective well-being, career aspirations, child poverty and deprivation. She has been involved in verious multi-national research projects and presentations.

Professor Roman, University of the Western Cape

Professor Nicolette Vanessa Roman, PhD, is a Senior Professor, SARChI in the study of families, the PI in ECD, founding member of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, at the University of the Western Cape and Visiting Professor at Huddersfield University (UK). Her research focuses on family life, strengthening families across the lifespan towards family and social cohesion.

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Published

2025-04-03

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 1 (2025): General Issue

Section

Case Studies

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Copyright for articles published in this journal is retained by the authors, with first publication rights granted to the journal. By virtue of their appearance in this open access journal, articles are free to use, with proper attribution, in educational and other non-commercial settings.