Tag: gender inequality

Supporting women in the workplace requires action, not just advice. As such, sponsorship is the key to achieving real progress. Indeed, we acknowledge progress in advancing women in leadership. However, barriers to equality still persist. Despite mentorship programs and leadership training, women remain underrepresented in senior roles.

Gender inequality is still rampant throughout society and in the workplace, it can take on many forms -  disparity in promotions, unequal pay and less leadership roles. While this is often the case in big corporations and civil society, we should also be turning a lens towards the education sector, where gender inequality is even more pronounced.

A world in which women thrive is a better world. Although gender inequality remains rife globally, significant strides are being made on one of society’s most influential platforms: the boardrooms of big businesses. There is consensus that change in workplaces in Africa and around the world generally start at the top, at board level.

When we think of gender inequality in the realm of money, the perennial pay gap springs to mind. It remains a problem. The 2020 Momentum/UNISA Household Financial Wellness Insights report estimates that, on average, women earn around 30% less than men in similar jobs in South Africa. 

As we celebrate Women’s Month, we share our views on how far South Africa has come in transforming its patriarchal society - and what still needs to be done. If you were to review the Economic Freedom of the World Annual Report, you would note that South Africa scores 1.00 on the Gender Disparity Index, indicating that there is no legal difference in how women are treated relative to men under the law.

As we reflect on Women’s Month in South Africa, it is essential to acknowledge women’s contribution to society, the economy and unpaid care work – raising children, families and communities. Despite their massive contribution, women continue to face considerable challenges.

12 Lenses into Diversity in South Africa calls for responsible inclusion from all – individually and organisationally, by ordinary citizens as well as those in positions of power. In harnessing the best of our African, Western heritage and Eastern heritage, we can create a brighter future for all who live and work in South Africa.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2021, #ChooseToChallenge, is a call for all women to become aware of our responsibility to ourselves and others, in our thoughts and deeds every day. Especially, it is a call to challenge gender bias, inequality and abuse.

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 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.