Abstract
This article examines the empowerment of female farmers in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania due to male labour migration during the British colonial rule. The study sought to highlight the history of gender-based division of labour, the dynamics of labour division during the colonial period, the trend of females’ adoption of males’ activities, and women’s empowerment resulting from their assumption of males’ responsibilities. Data were collected through oral interviews, documentary reviews, group-focused discussions, and archival sources. The data were analysed and interpreted using a gender framework theory, which includes, among other things, gender roles and gender relations. Findings show that the distribution of labour in Southern Tanzania, as elsewhere on the continent, was organised along gender lines before colonialism. Nonetheless, colonialism led to a massive relocation of male labourers, forcing women to assume men’s tasks to address the challenge of labour shortage and diminishing production. As a result, the development improved women’s living standards and increased their sense of self-worth, decision-making power, and access to agricultural opportunities and resources.
Recommended Citation
Kinunda, Nives; Mnenuka, Angelus; and Mhajida, Samwel
(2024)
"Performing Masculinities: The Assumption of Men’s Roles by Women Left Behind by Male Migrant Labourers in Southern Tanzania,"
Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences: Vol. 13:
No.
2, Article 15.
DOI: 10.56279/13/2/4
Available at:
https://commons.udsm.ac.tz/jhss/vol13/iss2/15
Included in
African History Commons, Cultural History Commons, History of Gender Commons, Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons