Abstract:
Gender mainstreaming has been adopted as a strategy for promoting gender equality in
institutions of higher learning worldwide, and not least in Africa. There are perceptions that most
strategic higher positions in institutions of Higher learning are dominated by men while women are
marginalized. This study therefore explored Gender Mainstreaming in institutions of higher
learning. In particular, the study was based at a rural university in Limpopo, South Africa. The
study was based on a Feminist Theoretical Framework, where a mixed method approach was
embarked upon. The study involved a population of 840 participants who were sampled to 84.
Purposive sampling was used to select 9 participants who were interviewed and stratified
sampling was used to select a sample of 75 participants who were given questionnaires. The
findings of the study are as follows: Males at the University of Venda continue to occupy higher
echelons of power. Women continue to be under-represented in the positions of Deans, HODs,
School Administrators and Directors. The university has strategies in place for female staff to
acquire equal representation in senior management positions. Factors hindering the
implementation of the 50/50 parity on gender stem from the lack of commitment from top
management, and the stereotyping of women’s roles. Some respondents indicated that they do
not know of the gender policy at the University of Venda. The university uses the Employment
Equity Act of 1998, but, it is not clear whether line managers are aware how it should be
implemented. Gender mainstreaming policy is feasible. The study recommends that there should
be more gender awareness activities such as workshops, conferences, and symposia for workers
and staff members in order to sensitize them about gender mainstreaming.
