Statement on the Global Gender Gap Report 2013

The African National Congress Women's League welcomes the findings of the Global Gender Gap 2013 report released by the World Economic Forum. According to the report, South Africa is the best performing BRICS member and second best performing individual G20 country in closing the gender gap in the areas of health, education, politics and economic equality. Within the continent, South Africa is the best performing country on the political empowerment of women and second only to Lesotho overall. It is independent research such as this that consistently reaffirms our assertion that South Africa is a better place for women today than it was in 1994 (see here and below). 

While our performance as a country overall is praiseworthy, the African National Congress Women's League is concerned about the reported slight decrease in the women's economic participation and opportunity variable. This area measures gender equality in labour force participation, wage equality, estimated earned income and nature of work done. It is an accepted fact that women in South Africa have and continue to bear the harshest brunt of poverty and thus whilst it is noted that there are improvements in the economic opportunities and participation for women; these must be sustained. Women must be found everywhere within the economy, including at it's commanding heights, ensuring a greater share in economic decision making thus reversing the legacy that left many occupying primarily low-skilled and low-paid sectors.

The work done by the ANC government since 1994 to fulfil the commitment to end discrimination against women is bearing results. Many more girl children than in 1994 are today gaining access to education, passing matric and obtaining degrees. A social security net which benefits, in excess of 16 million people, 13 million of which are children, has been created. The Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill which will enforce gender equity compliance within both government and the private sector is currently being finalised by government. While a lot of challenges still remain, particularly the scourge of violence against women and children, it is these and many more successes that we must jealously guard and build on. 

Statement issued by Nosipho Dorothy Ntwanambi, Deputy President, African National Congress Women's League, October 28 2013

Extract from WEF's Global Gender Gap Report 2013:

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