The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in partnership with the Association of Rural Advancement (AFRA) will hold a dialogue focusing on the exploitation of women in KZN farms on Thursday 22 August 2019 at 12h00.
 
The dialogue titled, the condition of unfreedom: Super-exploitation and subjugation of women on farms in Umgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal, will seek answers to questions such as:
 
How are women farm dwellers kept compliant and submissive as workers, wives and citizens?
How are they forced to accept the long hours involved in seasonal work that is paid below minimum wage?
How are they forced to live in un-serviced, uninhabitable houses that increase their labour hours and put their health and the health of their children and families at risk?
 
The seminar to be presented by AFRA directors, Laurel Oettle and Juba Khuzwayo, will also feature the screening of a documentary, Qina Mbokodo – Be Strong, like a Rock, which gives a voice to the largely voiceless women farm dwellers, who explain how this gendered super exploitation is secured and maintained.

 
“To get a job, I am expected to give sex to the manager (and sometimes the owner). I live on this farm and I have children to feed. If I want a job and a home, there is nothing I can do.”
 
The media are invited to attend as follows:

Date                                        :           Thursday 22 August 2019

Time                                        :           12h30 – 14h00

Venue                                     :           HSRC Buildings in Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town

For more information or to set up interviews, please contact Adziliwi Nematandani (HRSC), 0827659191, email: anematandani@hsrc.ac.za