South Africa is in the process of transition. One of the key objectives in this process is the transformation of gender relations in which men, women, community and traditional leaders all participate to promote and support gender equity. This is the challenge.

In response to this challenge, the United Nations organised a consultative stakeholder workshop, the aim of which was to develop a UN gender programme of support for South Africa.

Why is the development of such a programme needed now?

The Millennium Development Goals are about inclusive development. Gender equality and women’s empowerment are human rights that lie at the heart of development and the achievement of these Millennium Development Goals.

Gender equality has always been a core value of the struggle for a democratic South Africa and is enshrined as a fundamental tenet under the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of South Africa. The commitment to achieving gender equality has motivated the State to adopt rights-based legislation with explicit reference to gender equality and to integrate gender considerations into government policies and programmes. South Africa is also a signatory to key continental and international protocols such as the African Charter on People’s and Women’s Rights, the Beijing Platform of Action and the UN Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

Despite these impressive gains, gender inequality continues to undermine our democracy and impede our development as a nation. The fact is that sixteen years after our first democratic elections women are worse off. The gap between the rich and the poor has widened – especially among women – and poverty brings social marginalization. In such conditions custom, kinship and community are more tangible than the constitutional references to equality and human rights. Within custom and kinship structures, the role of women is tightly circumscribed and often subject to oppressive patriarchal norms. While women have gained greater representation on South Africa’s political stage, this has not directly translated into an increase in political, social and economic power and status in the society in general.

Recently, the UN and the South African Government conducted an evaluation of the role of the UN in South Africa. It was found that while there are a number of UN agencies in South Africa working on gender issues, they have had little impact so far.

The first step to improving this situation was the consultative stakeholder workshop which was held from the 28th – 30th April in Irene just south of Pretoria. The workshop brought together sixty representatives from UN agencies, government, academic institutions and civil society. As Mercy House in Pretoria is an NGO addressing women’s issues, Colleen Wilkinson rsm and Mrs Mary Mmushi, the social worker, were invited to participate on behalf of civil society.

Lopa Banerjee (left) working on recommendations

The first two speakers, Dr. Ellen Kornegay, from the Department for Women, Children and People with Disabilities, and Ms. Lopa Banerjee from the UN Development Programme, gave information about government policies and plans for the future and the role of the UN in supporting the achievement of gender equality in South Africa.

The third speaker was Dr. Frene Ginwala, a former Speaker in parliament. Dr. Ginwala is an activist and has spent her whole life working for the liberation of South Africa and, in particular, for the empowerment of women. A simple example of her sensibility to and recognition of the existence of women in parliament was the introduction of a crèche for their children and toilet facilities for women in the parliament building – a place where the male had been the norm! Dr Ginwala’s  speech gave energy and direction to the rest of the workshop. She said, ”Women are not seeking justice. We are seeking equality – effective equality. Women must be in a position to access rights to enable them to exercise rights.”

Dr. Frene Ginwala

Dr. Ginwala also asked why the poor are getting poorer. She believes that we have failed to address the causes of inequality. Institutionalised patriarchy and sexism lead to discrimination against women: and patriarchy, unfortunately, is our common heritage. Her final comment: “Just as when we were fighting against apartheid, we did not seek entry into apartheid – we rejected it, so as we fight against patriarchy we are not seeking entry. We reject patriarchy.”

From there on there was robust debate and purposeful discussion. The smaller discussion groups were made up of cabinet ministers, UN representatives, business women, university professors and members of civil society: no one had more right to speak than another, no one’s opinion was disregarded and every idea heard and discussed. This practical recognition of equality was observed throughout the workshop, whether standing in queues for meals or expressing views in formal groups: everyone felt she had a valuable contribution to make: a contribution which would be accepted and considered.

Nomcebo Manzini (left), representative of UNIFEM

The recommendations which reflect the collective wisdom of the participants: · That a national summit be held to develop a vision for gender equality for South Africa that addresses the issue of gender relations and effective equality. This should ensure the participation of all stakeholder groupings, including rural women.

·  The development of an Information Hub located in the Ministry of Women, Children and People with Disabilities – to use information already available from other countries.

·  The development of research to inform redressing of structural patriarchy and sexism.

·   Developing a framework for monitoring, evaluation and accountability.   South Africa has travelled quite a road as a new democracy and put gender equality into the laws, but laws only regulate. Hopefully, the recommendations arising from the consultative workshop will be accepted by the UN and the government. These may start to address the structural constraints such as endemic poverty and gendered marginalization that shape the lives of many South African women.

The challenge for us is to help our women and men to accept, practise and internalise a value system that insists upon gender equality and citizenship rights of all people. Are we ready for behavioural change in society? Certainly those who took part in this workshop, including Mary and me, are determined to make our contribution.

Colleen Wilkinson rsm
South African Province