This article examines how women organise themselves in community structures to
claim socio-economic rights through participation. The discussion is based on case
study research undertaken in Khayelitsha, Site C, where women involved in incomegenerating
projects (IGPs) have also been involved in a dual strategy of trying to
improve their living conditions through active engagement. The article looks at the
intermediary institutions, the South African national Civics Association (SANCO) and
the Khayelitsha Development Forum (KDF) which mediate the participatory spaces for
engagement created by local government, and how these organisations serve ordinary
men and women from the townships in terms of helping them to attain a better quality
of life.