Summary

Examining the South African National Gender Policy guidelines, this thorough analysis explores the extent to which integrated development plans of local municipalities uphold women's rights as stated in the South African constitution.nbsp;Based on a project carried out in KwaZulu-Natal from 2004nbsp;to 2006, this in-depth researchnbsp;considers the difficulties posed to South African women who wish to meaningfully participate in local government because of entrenched patriarchy in their communities. This exhaustive study also stimulates discussion on how to advance gender equality in developing countries within the context of decentralization.