The Ndebele women of South African are known both for their striking clothing and for their exceptional ceremonial beadwork and large murals. Within the Ndebele culture women are suppose to wear, talk and perform certain duties within their communities and families.

Therefore they are not allowed wear revealing modern clothes, talk ebandla (among men). Yet they have their own roles within their communities where they don’t even answer to men. Therefore giving them power in certain roles like in the right of passage for girls for instance.

In this insert we take a look at women rights within AmaNdebele contrasted with that of women rights in global communities at large. We look at the do's and don’ts in the Ndebele community especially for women. 

First, a teenage girl will go through a right passage known as ukuthomba, which will enable her or mark her as someone who is ready for marriage. At that stage she will be taught all that she needs to know about life, taking care of her husband and playing a meaning full role in the community; such participating and attending gathering,and learning from the older women.

Later on when they get married lobola would be negotiated for them, after the two families have agreed on negotiatios the bride family and grooms will prepare for Isimanje (a traditional wedding ceremony). Upon completing Isimanje, they will go and stay with the groom’s family for an agreed time this is known as ukukotiza. This is more like a trial where she performs duties like cooking, cleaning and doing laundry for the family, during this period she cannot come into contact with the brides groom father. She will also be given a place where she is to build her own house known as iqathani.

So in this insert we take a look at women rights in isiNdebele context from a young girl, to teenage years and to later young years.