Tag: gender equality

The pandemic has proved disproportionately hard for women, but hybrid working potentially offers a future of more equal opportunities and a more equitable sharing of family responsibilities. Over the past year there has been much talk of a ‘she-cession’, with women affected much harder than men by pandemic-enforced closures in sectors such as hospitality, entertainment, leisure and retail.

Over the years it was acceptable for men to earn more than woman. It has only recently become normal for woman to hold positions previously held by men. But are women remunerated the same way as their male counterparts?

As we navigate the turmoil and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, all eyes are on keeping each other safe while preparing for a post-pandemic world. The custodians of this post-pandemic future are young people – and when one considers that the official unemployment rate for people under 35 in South Africa is 46.3%, the urgency of meaningful and sustained youth empowerment cannot be understated.

Despite a number of studies confirming that gender-diverse companies perform better, gender equality and lack of inclusiveness remain a paramount issue in the IT world, and women are still significantly underrepresented in tech. Even though the situation is improving, the gender gap in the IT industry is still prominent.

Gender equality in the workplace tends to be a very heated discussion. This usually overcompensates to either end of the spectrum. The constant competitive nature of this topic leaves a gap for growth, success, and collaboration.

The world over companies are facing enormous pressure under the ‘new or never normal’, as the COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting, and in some cases, deepening existing workplace inequalities. Gender mainstreaming in the workplace still has a long way to go and the time is now that we give it the attention it deserves – not only through women’s month, but throughout the year.

The year 2020 has brought with it disruption and upheaval of proportions never before encountered by South African business, affecting both the public and the private sector alike. This 'new normal' is necessitating a reassessment of old paradigms and a call for innovative and pioneering approaches.

The COVID-19 pandemic has added a host of new challenges for South African frontline workers, but those arguably hardest hit are female employees within essential industries, who had to still physically show up for their jobs - throughout all lockdown levels - while juggling the lion’s share of unpaid domestic work at home.

Some attempts have been made by the government and NGOs to advocate for more equal rights for women. Few months ago, President Ramaphosa announced his new cabinet in which half of all ministers are women. However, the private sector has been slower on the uptake. The world of business is still very much dominated by men.

The Upgrading or Land Tenure Rights Act (ULTRA) is arguably democratic South Africa’s most important law. Yet virtually no one knows about it. A proposed amendment is currently before Parliament but only one aspect has enjoyed attention: the removal of gender discrimination.