Are women's rights in SA truly progressing in a democratic era?

EXPERTS and women's rights organisations have echoed sentiments that while the country has moved three decades into democracy, there is still much room for improvement to bring women to the forefront to influence policy.

- CHEVON BOOYSEN

Tackling the scourge and national pandemic of gender-based violence and sexual abuse, gender rights organisation, Sonke Gender Justice, said positive inroads have been made, but added “it is a mixed bag of reviews”.

Sonke's provincial manager based in the Eastern Cape, Patrick Godana, said it commended South Africa's democratic dispensation for laying the foundation of a constitutional democracy, which has enabled the development of laws and policies aimed at creating a society where all people, regardless of sex, gender, or belief, can live safely, and with dignity.

“This framework has been critical in promoting and protecting the rights and freedom of all who live in South Africa. We have also seen laws and policies being repealed and reviewed and ultimately promulgated by the Presidency... The challenge that continues to confront us is the lack of implementation and followup on the effectiveness of these laws. We are good as a country in marking and celebrating key calendar dates but our actions leave much to be desired.

“We have seen the government and some private sectors recognising and affirming the rights and dignity of women. Sad to note that it is not enough, as some women still face resistance and sexual abuse. For instance, the Eastern Cape government departments have been making headlines for the wrong reasons and jobs-for-sex over the years. One example is the recent much-publicised case of Judge President Selby Mbenenge on sexual harassment allegations,” said Godana.

Godana highlighted the high levels of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) experienced countrywide.