The African National Congress says more women need to be part of the mainstream economy and decision-making structures in South Africa.
This is noted in the 5th National Policy Conference policy discussion document titled “Social Transformation”.
“There is still a need to effectively implement programmes and policies geared towards the development of women,” notes the discussion document.
The document notes how women, especially those who live in poverty and those who are disabled, need to be afforded access to opportunities and access to free basic services.
A fight against patriarchy is also mentioned in the document, but little on how the party plans to do so.
“We must also ensure that we work with the rest of society and in particular, the private sector to ensure that women are part of the decision-making structures in society and ensure that women are part of the mainstreaming economy,” notes the ANC.
The majority of women in Africa remain on the side-lines of the economy .
According to the 2016 Mid-year population estimates for South Africa, 28 529 100 women lived in the country in contrast to 27 379 800 men, and a majority of these women remain excluded from the country’s mainstream economy or decision making structures.
This is regardless of the multiple programmes designed to develop and support women.
“African governments have begun using various kinds of social protection programmes (including cash transfer and subsidies) to promote gender equality and poverty reduction. Still, there is considerable room for expanding a number of cash transfer and social service programmes that would have a direct impact on improving women’s economic and social well-being,” notes the African Human Development Report 2016.
The South African government currently has 17 female ministers who are responsible for major decisions made in the country’s government.
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