Women were victims of injustice not because of what society did to them, but because of what society did not do to them.
-Bwakali
How to determine gender inequality Index?
What defines gender inequality?
Gender inequality, otherwise known as sexism, refers to the imbalanced or unequal treatment and perception of individuals based on their sexes.
Gender Inequality in south Africa
South Africa ranks fourth out of 87 countries covered by the 2012 Social Institutions and Gender Index of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. It is currently the highest ranked country in Africa in this index. This high ranking reflects the steps taken by the country to achieve gender equality and improve women’s rights. South Africa also performed well against many indicators specified for Goal 3 of the Millennium Development Goals, which focuses largely on gender equality and the delegation of women. Women currently make up 45 % of the representatives in the Parliament of South Africa.
Nonetheless, social norms, persistent stereotypes of roles of women in society and discriminatory practices has continued to impede South Africa's efforts to build social cohesion and thus affecting its route towards gender equality and its efforts made to reduce discrimination of women.
Hutson (2007) noted that "gender discrimination in South Africa is deeply rooted in the ethnic traditions of the multi-cultural communities, as well as by the compliance of women themselves." Meer (1992) also observed that "each culture’s values perceive women as inferior to men." However, instead of feeling oppressed and alienated by men, most women also feel subservient towards them. This alludes that in order for the situation of gender discrimination in South Africa to improve, the mindset of inferiority amongst women should be uprooted, and the the traditional values regarding gender of each culture should be altered to prevent future impediments of social cohesion.
Many South Africans (58% of the population) believe that gender inequality has been improved over the years. However, this is not the case. There is strong evidence that discriminatory practices and ideas of gender inequality are supported by a fifth of adult South Africans and these ideas are growing in popularity. 25% to 30% of South African's population are convinced that a woman's main role is that of a child-bearer and house wife and that man has more right to education than women.
Nonetheless, social norms, persistent stereotypes of roles of women in society and discriminatory practices has continued to impede South Africa's efforts to build social cohesion and thus affecting its route towards gender equality and its efforts made to reduce discrimination of women.
Hutson (2007) noted that "gender discrimination in South Africa is deeply rooted in the ethnic traditions of the multi-cultural communities, as well as by the compliance of women themselves." Meer (1992) also observed that "each culture’s values perceive women as inferior to men." However, instead of feeling oppressed and alienated by men, most women also feel subservient towards them. This alludes that in order for the situation of gender discrimination in South Africa to improve, the mindset of inferiority amongst women should be uprooted, and the the traditional values regarding gender of each culture should be altered to prevent future impediments of social cohesion.
Many South Africans (58% of the population) believe that gender inequality has been improved over the years. However, this is not the case. There is strong evidence that discriminatory practices and ideas of gender inequality are supported by a fifth of adult South Africans and these ideas are growing in popularity. 25% to 30% of South African's population are convinced that a woman's main role is that of a child-bearer and house wife and that man has more right to education than women.
Perceived role of the female
During post-independent South Africa, the women have always been active in agriculture, trade and other economic pursuits. However, a majority of them are in the informal labour force and are perceived as the child-bearer and home-maker. The women are also protectors of their children's welfare and have distinctive responsibility to provide for their children economically and materially.
However, as manual agriculture and farming became less important due to commercialised farming, women gradually lost their status and authority, leaving them without a real place in society. Meer (1992) also noted that "most women see their family as a source of emotional strength and value their roles as mothers and homemakers." Unfortunately, because of these roles and their economic handicaps, they are not allowed to make important economic decisions.
However, as manual agriculture and farming became less important due to commercialised farming, women gradually lost their status and authority, leaving them without a real place in society. Meer (1992) also noted that "most women see their family as a source of emotional strength and value their roles as mothers and homemakers." Unfortunately, because of these roles and their economic handicaps, they are not allowed to make important economic decisions.
What can be done to help the underpriveleged women in South africa?
Men can play a role in improving the situation of gender equality in South African society. As of current, more men are taking a stand against gender-based violence. They should also influence other men to change their attitudes regarding men superiority and their respect towards women. After all, women do indeed play an important role in society as the care giver and child-bearer of the family. Besides men, women should also stand up to the unfair treatment they receive instead of remaining subservient, submissive and be at the beck and call of men. It would be good to acknowlege that men and women have an equal and significant role in the transformation of gender relations in society.
On the other hand, the government can also combine its efforts with NGOs (non-governmental organizations) to improve the welfare of the female community and promote gender equality. This would be talked about more in depth in the People and Society section.
On the other hand, the government can also combine its efforts with NGOs (non-governmental organizations) to improve the welfare of the female community and promote gender equality. This would be talked about more in depth in the People and Society section.
No society can be truly emancipated until its women and men are truly free and equal, and to this end, men and women has a shared responsibility.