Implementation of Gender Equality Policies in the Public Sector: A case study of the Gauteng Department of Labour, South Africa

Abstract

Gender inequality is not only a severe moral and social pandemic, but also a serious economic problem. This is because women account for nearly half of the world's human capital and yet they are undervalued, underutilized, and underrepresented in different institutions and in the society at large. This study was undertaken to investigate the implementation of gender equality policies in the public sector, using the Gauteng department of labour in South Africa, as a case study. The study examined the status of women prior to apartheid, during apartheid, and after apartheid, as well as how the implementation of gender equality policies has changed their standing in South Africa. The study relies on feminist theories to draw parallels on what these theories stand out to accomplish,with the general notions of what patriarchal frameworks are all about. The data for this study was gathered using qualitative research methods. The study used a sample size of ten (10) participants. The sample consisted of five (5) directors, three (3) deputy directors, and two (2) assistant directors of the Gauteng department of labour. The findings of the study are that achieving gender equality in the public sector is impossible without women's empowerment. The promotion and involvement of women in the public sector needs to be enhanced through the adoption and implementation of gender equality policies and programmes.