Abstract: Submission #182

Abstract Women who reside in rural areas and farms are particularly marginalized and live in extreme levels of poverty which are below the national income standard. Poverty continues to be on the agenda of many countries in the international arena. The history of apartheid characterised by systematic oppression and marginalisation of `black citizens has contributed to studies documenting the extent of poverty in South Africa. The study adopts a qualitative approach that has assessed the experiences of twenty women who participated in poverty reduction programmes in uMzinyathi District, in Kwa Zulu Natal. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis is the design that enabled the researcher to delve into the circumstances of women influencing or impacting their participation in poverty reduction programmes. Further the study wss guided by an empowerment theory which asserts that poverty reduction programmes must consider the social and historical experience of the disadvantaged women in processes of enhancing their livelihood and development. The findings reveal that the majority of women (80%) who participated in poverty reduction programmes still remain poor despite government interventions. The study recommends the development of a social development empowerment model that will address gender inequality, social and economic prejudices against unemployed women.