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Re: Setting Up the Commission for Gender Equality [1994] ZAConAsmRes 47 (14 October 1994)

 


14 October 1994
re: Setting up the Comniission for Gender Equality

We note with some concern that there has been little talk of activating the Comnu'ssion for Gender Equality that has been provided for in the new constitution.

We are aware, that there is some debate within the Women's Caucus around whether it should be activated at all as gender should automatically be a key issue in every other commission that is set

UP.

We feel, however, that it is of the inmost importance that the Commission is in fact set up to ensure that gender is an issue at all levels. 'fhe Commision would serve as a pressure group for all the other commissions to ensure that all gender-based inequalities are addressed immediately.

The Commission for Gender Equality should not serve to relieve the government of a gender "conscience" nor as a dumping ground into which all gender issues should then be loaded. Rather it should be an active force within government. The Commission should look into women's representation at all top levels in the country: starting with the National Assembly and then moving through all the government ministries and departments. Are women playing active roles in setting up education and training curricula for instance.

When women are adequately represented in all leadership structures, then perhaps the Commisions work is done.

Yours sincerely


Davine Thaw Thaw
OLIVE (OD & Training)

cc: Ela Gandhi
Phumzfle Mambo-Ngcuka