Economic Challenges on Motherhood and Womanhood and the Issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the South African Society

“Ovidius” University Annals, Economic Sciences Series Volume XXIII, Issue 2 /2023 Economic Challenges on Motherhood and Womanhood and the Issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the South African Society Fazel Ebrihiam Freeks North-West University, Faculty of Theology, South Africa Dikeledi Jacobeth Warlimont Mzansi Youth leadership Academy NPO|NGO, South Africa, SADC & AU Pius-Shaun Warlimont Mzansi Youth Leadership Academy NPO|NGO, South Africa Abstract This paper illustrates economic challenges on motherhood, womanhood, children, and the issue of GBV. It has become evident in numerous families that societal role of mothers has shifted immensely. As a result, many scholars decided to study the various components of motherhood. Hence, the objective of this paper is to comprehend motherhood in society and its acceptance in the domestic domain. Becoming a mother was not the mother’s decision, it was a response to sociocultural pressure that held women accountable pertaining to children. Women had distinct motherhood experiences, but it is kept secret from the family and society. The issue of GBV cause mothers to face immense pressure in a morally acceptable motherhood society. Therefore, mothers have a very negative perception of motherhood, particularly in a highly demanding patriarchal society. Key words: motherhood, womanhood, gender-based violence J.E.L classification: A12, B55, I24, J12, J13, J17 1. Introduction This paper is a meta-theory analysis or literature review on motherhood, womanhood and GBV. In our current era, one of the most prevalent human rights violations is violence against women, many of whom are mothers. The effects of this abuse and brutality are extensive, negatively impacting the lives of women and girls, as well as their families, communities, and society at large. The elimination and prevention of violence and abuse against women should be a top objective in all communities. Therefore, the two main objectives of this paper are, to describe the adverse consequences of gender-based violence (GBV) as destructive social ills in society. The first objective is to understand the value and significance of women and mothers in society, the second objective is suggesting practical theological ways to address and curb gender-based violence as a destructive form of warfare against women. Studies repeatedly demonstrate the enormous benefits for children of having a mother who is present, nurturing, involved, and concerned. However, many activist organisations disagree with the importance of mothers and women to children and society. Mothers' notable and influential traits, as well as the crucial role they play in the family and society, are often contested. Moreover, motherhood still presents significant and potentially fatal difficulties for women today. One of the most common violations of human rights in our time involves violence and abuse against women, many of whom are mothers. These harmful factors have far-reaching effects, endangering the lives of women, mothers, and girls, as well as their families and societies. The prohibition and prevention of this violent nature and abuse against women and mothers should be a top concern in every family and community. 80 “Ovidius” University Annals, Economic Sciences Series Volume XXIII, Issue 2 /2023 The family holds great importance in both the church and broader society. The family is seen as having a covenantal nature and plays a significant role in caring for individuals (eds. Botha et al. n.d.:84). This article, however, acknowledges the importance of motherhood and the role mothers play in families and society. Also, this article recognises the mother-child bond, which is crucial for a child's healthy development since it serves as a strong force for social interaction and cohesion. 2. Literature review The literature review in this paper is a met-theory analysis on motherhood, womanhood, children included and the issue of gender-based violence (GBV). 2.1. The concept of “motherhood” and meta-studies regarding to motherhood Motherhood is a fascinating scholarly and academic topic, according to Huopalainen and Satama (2019:102), with connections to an embodiment, the performance of gender, materiality, affectivity, femininity, and sexuality, as well as power, structural problems, and patriarchal oppression, and specifically a dense bodily experience that engages the senses (Huopalainen & Satama 2019:99). Patriarchal societies disadvantage women because social duties are gendered, harmful, and risky to women. Hence, the risk of reducing the experience of motherhood to a patriarchal institution and motherhood as a role forced on women is raised by some authors and scholars who claim that the discourse of motherhood is exclusively focused on. The original meaning is lost if one concentrates too much on the influence of prevalent ideas of motherhood (Frizelle & Kell 2010:27). In the studies of Miller-McLemore (1994:20), motherhood can be defined as mothers performing quite a few types of indispensable caring, and who must support one another. Hence, every child's fundamental need is fulfilled by the term mother, which conjures up those feelings of joyful, unconditional love and care. Motherhood is further an intentional action that cultivates a selfobservance practice that leads to maternal thought (Rose 2015:11). Therefore, the act of motherhood is special and mostly an "untapped resource of theological reflection" (Miller-McLemore 1994:21). Interestingly and appropriately, especially in the context of this article, is that Miller-McLemore indicated in her book, ‘Also a Mother: Work and Family as Theological Dilemma’, that she faced life's challenges while being pregnant and on the verge of becoming a mother (Miller-McLemore 1994:21). Working full-time to support families presents innumerable challenges for mothers (Miller-McLemore 1994:21). Hence, the responsibilities placed upon women, especially as mothers, are considerably heightened due to the daily obligations and sacrifices that come with parenting. Finding a harmonious balance and sense of purpose in life, while juggling familial responsibilities, proves to be much more challenging and intricate than managing a traditional nine-to-five job and caring for one's family. In conclusion, it is very significant in the context of this paper when Miller-McLemore asserts that ample theologians are mother figures but only a few have studied the intersection of motherhood and theology (1999:287). 2.2. The gender-based violence (GBV) issue in society and its adverse effects on mothers and women in the South African Society: definition and statistics Reflecting on the wording used by the United Nations General Assembly meeting conducted in 1993, Finchilescu and Dugard (2018:3) define ‘gender-based violence’ as "violence against women (mothers) means any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psy (...truncated)