The Importance of Gender Equality for South Africa

Gender equality has a profound impact on the lives of many people across the globe. There is a direct association between a child’s gender and the possibility of realizing their rights and reaching their full potential. We live in a patriarchal society where social norms favour boys over girls in many aspects of life. Like myself, some African women consider themselves feminists but continue to remain conscious of the positive African values with which we were raised. Women still carry most of the care and domestic burden, and most are less likely to be employed in the formal sector and continue to experience high levels of violence. As African women, we have unique challenges where we are at a disadvantage from several sources of oppression. We are faced with a triple measure of intersectionality, where our race, gender, and class affect our daily realities. In the recent quest for gender equality, we face the dilemma of challenging conservative patriarchal practices while still being seen as African women who were raised to honour and serve the men in our lives. It is clear that we are impacted by the gendered society in which we live.

As women in South Africa, we are fortunate to live in one of the most progressive countries, with the most clearly spelled out legal rights on the whole continent. The South African constitution prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, class, age and sexual orientation. The bill of rights has established guidelines for South Africa to take action in rectifying its historical legacy. The bill of rights is a new blueprint set up to manage interactions in the private and public spheres, and ensure that gender equality is at the centre of the transformation process. We have a framework and legislation covering general employment equity. However, Individual workplaces draw from their internal policies. South Africa is continually developing which means that its economy is maturing and infrastructure is becoming more technologically advanced. We may assume that developing countries focus on economic growth and ensuring that their citizens have access to essential services, freedoms, and equal opportunities for all. That is not always the case, especially in regards to gender equality. More focus should be put on the rearing and nurturing of children, where we need to encourage our sons and daughters to be innovative, intelligent, and creative to succeed in the world. Similarly, they should be adaptive, compassionate, and expressive without the limitations of gender conformity.

Although progress has been made to promote gender equality, it remains a controversial subject, especially in capitalist systems where hegemonic masculinities are preferred and idealized. With an upsurge in gender-based violence in the country, it is apparent that we are going through a time where gendered social constructs are congruently evolving. The advancement of subordinate genders has forced males resistant to change to adopt violence as a justification. There has been a destabilization in gendered roles because of a push for gender equality. This shift has led to a crisis in masculinity.

Women continue to make headway and occupy spaces in the government and the corporate world. However because of patriarchy and misogyny, men still believe themselves to be master and lord in their relationships, reverberating into public spheres of life.

The Covid-19 pandemic has laid bare countless injustices and left many vulnerable to poverty. It is reported that 69% of South African women are the primary breadwinners. Women also contribute to 50% of the GDP but continue to be underpaid and are most likely unemployed. During the past year, small businesses have suffered or been closed and due to continued lock-downs. Many women who were active in the informal trading sector have lost their livelihoods.

Gender equality is a human right from which everyone benefits. It ensures that women and men, boys and girls, enjoy the same opportunities, rights and obligations in all life areas. It is essential for economic prosperity as it reduces poverty. A diverse workplace and society increase productivity and innovation. Gender equality prevents violence against women and girls and results in a healthier and happier household. Gender equality further leads to racial equality as these factors are closely linked.

When a country addresses significant gender equality in all areas of life, it promotes peace and allows all who live within to flourish. South Africa could only gain from investing in a gender-equal society which is a sustainable, highly effective way to foster continued growth and advancement.