Salient underlying determinants contributing to the endemic prevalence of feminized poverty in Limpopo province, South Africa

Poverty remains a pervasive global challenge, disproportionately affecting women, with profound implications for their well-being and that of their families. The aim of the study was critically examining the underlying factors contributing to the high incidence of poverty among women in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The primary concern of this study is the alarming prevalence of poverty among women in Limpopo, a situation that has far-reaching consequences for both individual lives and broader societal structures. By exploring the social, economic, and cultural dimensions that perpetuate poverty, this study seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on poverty and gender inequality in South Africa. Through a qualitative research approach, the study identified key factors that exacerbate women's vulnerability to poverty, including gender-based violence, limited access to education and healthcare, and social exclusion. The sample for this study consisted of five women selected to explore the phenomenon of feminized poverty. The sampling procedure used in this research was based on a non-probability sampling technique, specifically purposive sampling. purposive sampling was used to select five women who had experiences of feminized poverty, understood as the disproportionate representation of women among the poor due to gendered social, economic, and political factors. The data was collected using Semi-structured interviews to get firsthand experience from women. The collected data was analyzed thematically. The researcher went through the data, coding the text, and classifying the codes into more general themes that correspond to the research objectives. The study's findings demonstrated that social isolation and restricted access to basic services exacerbate this vulnerability. The study also found that because women are routinely excluded from social support that might enable them to become economically independent or break free from poverty, this kind of exclusion perpetuates cycles of poverty. The findings offered valuable insights for policymakers to create sustainable strategies that support gender equality and alleviate poverty in the region. Key Words:Poverty, Women, Social Exclusion, Gender Inequality