The Commission for Gender Equality’s Employment Equity Hearings for Promoting Gender Equality

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is launching an initiative aimed at conducting Employment Equity Hearings, focused on reviewing gender transformation in both the public and private sectors. On September 14, 2023, the CGE will call prominent entities such as Clover SA, the Department of Small Business Development, and the Department of Water and Sanitation to account for the slow pace of gender transformation within their organizations.

Mandate and Objectives

Established under the CGE Act 39 of 1996, the CGE possesses the mandate to sample Directors General from the public sector and Chief Executive Officers from the private sector. They are required to elucidate the reasons behind the inadequate promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment, especially concerning women with disabilities.

The CGE will conduct follow-up hearings aimed at evaluating the progress made and examining other transformation legislation and policies. These hearings will enable the CGE to make informed findings and recommendations to ensure the achievement of gender equality in the workplace.

The objectives of these hearings are manifold. Firstly, the CGE seeks to assess compliance with employment equity and other transformation legislation and policies, followed by evaluating the impact of these laws and initiatives on persons with disabilities. Secondly, it aims to address institutional and systematic barriers to gender diversity in the workplace. Lastly, the CGE will closely monitor the implementation of its recommendations by both public and private entities.

Venue and Attendees

The hearings are scheduled to take place at the Southern Sun Hotel in Rosebank, Johannesburg. Representatives from various organizations will attend and be asked to address concerns raised by the CGE. The outcomes of these hearings will be instrumental in determining further actions and recommendations to bolster gender equality in the workplace.

Importance of the Initiative

In a world that is finally waking up to the importance of ensuring equitable opportunities for all, the CGE’s initiative is a crucial step towards achieving a more just society. By inviting key stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and evaluate the state of gender transformation, the CGE is fostering an environment that encourages collaboration and transparency.

Future Actions

As the hearings approach, organizations and individuals alike should take the opportunity to reevaluate their commitment to promoting gender equality and consider the ways in which they can work towards a more equitable future. By doing so, we can contribute to a society where everyone is valued and empowered regardless of their gender identity or disability.

While the path to gender equality might be long and arduous, initiatives like the CGE’s Employment Equity Hearings serve as an essential reminder that progress is possible when the right questions are asked, and the necessary actions are taken. The upcoming hearings provide a valuable platform for organizations to reflect on their practices and strive for a future where gender equity is not an aspiration, but a reality.