The role and influence of women in housing cooperatives: evidence from Caledonia, Zimbabwe

Housing cooperatives have emerged as critical mechanisms for addressing urban housing deficits in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly for low-income populations. However, these cooperatives are often marked by entrenched gender inequities that limit women’s participation and decision-making power. This study critically examines the roles, challenges, and agency of women within the housing cooperatives of Caledonia, a settlement on the urban fringes of Harare, Zimbabwe. Drawing on an integrated framework that includes the ‘right to the city’, feminist urban theory, and intersectionality, the research explores the inclusion of women, their strategies of resistance, and the power dynamics within cooperative governance. The study employs a qualitative research design, including in-depth interviews with twenty female cooperative members and twelve men and women in governance roles, as well as thematic analysis to uncover patterns of exclusion, agency, and resilience. Key findings reveal that, while women constitute the majority of cooperative members, their decision-making roles are often constrained by patriarchal norms and governance structures. Despite these barriers, women demonstrate agency through financial resistance, community mobilisation, and support for external initiatives like the Caledonia Regularization Program, which they perceive as more equitable alternatives to traditional cooperative models. This study contributes to theoretical and policy debates, offering actionable insights for fostering inclusive and transformative urban development practices. This article is published in the Thematic Collection ‘Decolonising Gender Knowledge in Sub-Saharan Africa: Empirical Insights and Theoretical Innovations from Early Career Researchers’, edited by Alicia Bowman, Evelyn Garwe and Juliet Thondhlana.