South Africa has long struggled with issues related to gender equality, gender-based violence, and femicide. In order to address these challenges, the 2023 National Gender Machinery (NMG) was established. This initiative aims to balance the mainstreaming of gender equality processes with redressing women’s oppression and patriarchal domination.
Recent Developments in the NMG
The NMG recently held a dialogue with various stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society, and the BRICS Women Business Alliance. During this dialogue, several topical issues were discussed, including reviewing South Africa’s National Policy Framework for women empowerment, socio-economic empowerment, human rights, and governance issues to accelerate gender equality.
Historical Context of Gender Equality in South Africa
Gender equality in South Africa has a deep connection with political resistance, particularly for black women who have faced discrimination based on gender, race, class, religion, ethnicity, and geographic location. Dr. Yacoob Abba Omar of Indlulamithi South Africa highlighted three scenarios for South Africa in 2035 and their implications for women and the women’s movement during the NMG deliberations.
Importance of Data in Gender Equality
Statistics South Africa reported on the country’s implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The NMG recognizes the importance of generating data on women’s status to meet their socio-economic developmental needs and promote their integration into the desired future.
Recommendations for Progress
Recommendations from the NMG centered on strengthening alignment, responsiveness, mainstreaming relevance, and disaggregation of data. Revisiting the National Policy Framework for women empowerment and emphasizing socio-economic empowerment and human rights is crucial to accelerate progress in gender equality. Addressing governance issues and generating and utilizing data on women’s status are also critical in understanding the issues faced by women and formulating effective policies and strategies to counter these challenges.
Collective Efforts for a Gender-Equal Society
South Africa’s initiatives, such as the National Gender Machinery and the 2035 scenarios presented by Dr. Omar, demonstrate its focus on gender equality. By actively engaging with stakeholders, the country can not only address the challenges faced by women but also ensure their growth and empowerment in diverse aspects of life. The collective efforts of the National Gender Machinery, government, civil society, and the BRICS Women Business Alliance can help create a future where gender equality is a reality, and women are empowered in all aspects of life.
