Exploring the socio-economic factors influencing young women’s participation in provincial and national elections: a case of the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Abstract

Voter apathy remains a significant global crisis. This is because this phenomenon is highlighted in the literature as undermining democratic processes, weakening political legitimacy, and hampering effective governance. South Africa has also not been spared from voter apathy and its prevailing consequences. The literature highlights that, in South Africa, it has been evident through the decreasing voter turnout throughout the years. The 2024 elections saw the lowest voter turnout since the inaugural democratic elections in 1994, especially among women. Despite the fact that South Africa has more women than men, this demographic is performing relatively lower than their male counterparts and especially poorly in the age group 18–35 years. Accordingly, many young women are not participating in electoral processes. Therefore, this research project intended to explore the socio-economic factors that influence young women’s participation in provincial and national elections. The study used the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng province, as a study area. This study employed an exploratory research design and qualitative research approach to unpack the perceptions and lived experiences of the participants. The study applied two sampling methods, namely, purposive and convenience sampling. Data were collected using interviews, with 24 participants interviewed. The participants who participated and those who did not participate in the 2024 elections were interviewed. This study found that unemployment among young women, together with other socio-economic issues, including systemic poverty, significantly influences their participation in elections. Unemployment has caused young women to change their voting behaviour. In cases when they do vote, they tend to change the party for which they vote. It is recommended that job creation is implemented, as this will increase trust in government to solve socio-economic issues and policies about gender equality should address the issues around the safety of women and children.