| Summary: | Thesis (M.M. (Public and Development Management))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Graduate School of Public and Development Management, 2014. === This paper investigates the challenges facing female councillors in Ekurhuleni
Metropolitan Municipality. It is based on the assumption that female councillors
are still faced with numerous challenges despite all efforts to address that
problem. The factors that discourage participation of women in politics are
classified as ideological factors, political factors, socio-cultural factors, economic
factors and media. It becomes very important for Ekurhuleni Metropolitan
Municipality to understand that these challenges exist so that proper and relevant
interventions may be developed, to assist in addressing those challenges.
Gender mainstreaming is discussed, which explains a variety of tools and
instruments used at international, regional and local levels. These tools are meant
to address gender equality: Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Elimination
of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Beijing Declaration and
Platform for Action (BPA), Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Municipal
Structural Act and Municipal Systems Act.
A qualitative study was used to respond to the research questions that focused
on challenges faced by female councillors, support structures available for female
councillors and the effectiveness of these support structures. The focus is on
feminist social research. The assumption is that men and women have different
perceptions of life because of their social status.
The findings of the research are that society is still divided along gender roles.
Women are considered as the main care givers for the family. Women are not
part of political inner circles, where major political decisions are taken, including
deployment to key and strategic positions. Socially, women are still facing
challenges of low education levels that result in a lack of communication skills,
which in turn hampers their ability to lead effectively. In terms of economy, most
women are in low income paying jobs. This makes it difficult for women to
campaign for strategic decision-making positions, as campaigning involves the
use of money. Women leaders are also not using media effectively to market
themselves.
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There is laxity in terms of implementation of gender equity policies. Support structures and system exist solely on paper. There is no proper assessment to check if systems implemented to support women are effective and relevant.
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