The impact of the Second World War on Basotho women: welfare and survival, 1940-1946

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Periodical article

Title:	The impact of the Second World War on Basotho women: welfare and survival, 1940-1946
Author:	Ntabeni, Mary
Year:	2009
Periodical:	Lesotho Social Sciences Review (ISSN 1028-0790)
Volume:	13
Issue:	1-2
Period:	December
Pages:	68-86
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Lesotho Southern Africa
Subjects:	living conditions women World War II History, Archaeology World War, 1939-1945--Women Sotho (African people)
Abstract:	This study delineates the harsh conditions that were experienced by Basotho women during the Second World War as a result of the war's social, economic and political impact on Africa in general and Lesotho in particular. Based on fieldwork, in particular in the Bela-Bela area during 1990-1991, archival material and secondary sources, the author highlights the colonial administration's introduction of war measures in its determination for Lesotho to contribute to the war effort on both the battlefront and the home front. She discusses the exacerbated rate of male absenteeism and elaborates on the extra work load this entailed for the women who were 'left behind' as de facto heads of household, the introduction of soldiers' allotments and women's financial welfare as dependants of Sotho servicemen, and how Basotho women coped with the rising cost of living, rationing and the shortage of supplies. Bibliogr., notes, sum. [Journal abstract]