She’s been sober for seven years now, but Jenina, a former gangster, does not dismiss her behaviour in her previous life. She takes responsibility for her acts as a drug and gun dealer.
Gangsterism is associated with men, that’s how the stereotype goes. Men in search of an identity turn to gangs in an attempt to define their masculinity. It is uncommon to hear women join gangs to live out some version of femininity. But women do play a role in gang culture; in some cases, crucial roles.
“Gangsterism is a worldwide phenomenon with serious consequences for community well-being,” she says. “In the Western Cape gangs present a complex phenomenon that impairs community functioning and hampers community development., Muller says communities are almost dependent on gangs. Gangs are there when girls can’t afford to study further, when they drop out of school, and when they don’t have the means to create a sustainable livelihood for themselves. .
Charmen [not her real name] represents a vast number of women in gang-infested communities. She lives in the— which includes Elsie’s River, Bishop Lavis, Gugulethu, Manenberg, Nyanga and Philippi East. Women who spend time in the company of gang members and come to learn more about how they operate are seen as a risk. Due to their association, women are forced to become part of the gang.
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