Abstract:
This dissertation analyzes the processes of decentralization and political participation of women in
community development, at the level of the municipalities of Xai-Xai and Manjacaze. Specifically,
we seek to understand the conditions that have contributed to the mayoralties of the municipalities of
Xai-Xai and Manjacaze, namely Rita Bento Muianga and Maria Helena Langa, to be able to ascend
to municipal presidencies and to participate in the community development processes. Questioning
the argument according to which women have not been able to participate effectively in politics due
to the prevalence of the patriarchal system and other cultural practices, we demonstrate in this research
that the mayors of the municipalities of Xai-Xai and Manjacaze managed to ascend to the municipal
presidencies and to participate in community development processes using their ability to act as
subjects and to form political alliances based on the homology of positions. To carry out this study, a
qualitative methodology was used, which allowed us to conduct semi-structured interviews, in which
we sought to understand in detail the condition of women’s political participation in the districts of
Xai-Xai and Manjacaze and their involvement in community development, Using the theoretical
perspectives of Pierre Bourdieu, on the political field and Alain Touraine, with the notion of subject,
the analysis carried out on the data showed us these results: (i) the examples of Rita Muianga and
Maria Helena Langa reveal an awareness that the political field is not exclusive to men; (ii) the need
to observe party discipline in order to obtain trust from their supporters; (iii) the search for popular
support in order to acquire needed support for the election; (iv) the importance of carrying out specific
actions that contribute to the community development process. The conclusions of this dissertation
suggest the validation of the hypothesis that considers that the affirmation of themselves as women
and the capacity to make negotiations and political alliances based on the homology of positions, the
mayors of the municipalities of Xai-Xai and Manjacaze were able to ascend to the presidencies
municipalities and to contribute to community development processes
