A significant meeting took place at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) this week when representatives from five South African political parties gathered for an in-depth conversation about issues pertinent to women in the upcoming South African elections.
Coordinated by Hazel Bowen, acting national president of the South African Association of Women Graduates (SAAWG) and facilitated by Prof Amanda Gouws from the Department of Political Science, the SAAWG Gender Lens Political Discussion shed light on the crucial role of women in politics.
Bowen referred to the SAAWG's century-long history of promoting women's education and rights. She emphasised the evolution of their mission to modern challenges, focusing on lifelong learning and advancing the status of women in education.
Gouws said as a political commentator she's been struck by how male-dominated the political arena in South Africa still is. “I have recently attended several events with political parties, and there was not a single woman. You look at the stage and there's just men. When you ask them gender questions, they're either uninformed or they're insulting." She pointed out that in the upcoming election on 29 May, women significantly outnumber men – by approximately 3 million – among registered voters.
In her opening remarks Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at SU, highlighted SU's role in fostering a platform for meaningful discourse on social and economic challenges. “As a university we strive to be relevant to society. We want to make a difference in terms of being engaged and providing platforms where people can debate freely about the challenges we face as a country," she stated.
Presented in a question-and-answer format, the event held at Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Studies (STIAS) allowed representatives of five different political parties to share their strategies and policies with a particular focus on inclusive environments that empower women and promote gender equality.
Women taking the lead
The discussion kicked off with each representative outlining their party's approach to gender equality and women's empowerment. There was broad consensus about the importance of women in top leadership positions and the need to provide opportunities for women to rise through the ranks.
Nomi Nkondlo of the ANC discussed ongoing efforts to integrate gender parity in the party's policies and emphasised the ANC's historical commitment to non-sexism. Dr Annelie Lotriet also pointed out the DA's history of female leadership and elaborated on their focus on providing women with opportunities for leadership and participation at all levels. Angela Sobey said ActionSA has shown it prioritises representation in leadership with three female candidates for the premiership. She added ActionSA has a healthy mix of all demographics with young people and women taking up key leadership positions in the party.
Joy Davids noted that Good is the only party led by a woman and that women's issues are at the heart of the party's policies. Rise Mzansi's Fhatuwani Muswobi said as a young woman she is inspired by the female leadership in her party. Diversity in Rise Mzansi goes beyond gender and age and centres competent and ethical leadership, Muswobi remarked.
The discussion revolved around several critical themes, including women's economic empowerment, safety, health and education. The speakers emphasised the need for a female-centred approach to governance, prioritising women's perspectives and gender sensitivity in decision-making. They also highlighted the importance of addressing socio-economic inequality, particularly through job creation and sustainable economic growth.
The need for targeted actions to combat GBV was central to the discussion and included suggestions for the establishment of specialised courts and police units and ensuring effective implementation of existing laws. Addressing the root causes of gender-based violence, such as patriarchal societal structures and attitudes, also came to light.
Tangible changes
Several panellists mentioned the critical role of early childhood development and the need for educational reforms to ensure all children, including those with special needs, have access to quality education. They discussed the importance of aligning educational outcomes with market needs to ensure employability and economic independence for young women.
Speakers called for the improvement of public transport systems and urban planning to enhance safety and accessibility for women and children. This includes ensuring safe commuting options and addressing the challenges posed by historical spatial planning legacies.
There was a strong emphasis on moving from policy to action, with calls for tangible changes that impact women's lives directly, rather than just theoretical discussions. The women agreed on the need for greater engagement with civil society and holding political figures accountable for their promises and actions.
The meeting highlighted the urgency for politicians to connect their policies more effectively with voters, especially women, who could significantly influence election outcomes.
Unlike some other recent political debates, the SAAWG Gender Lens Political Discussion did not become heated or descend into insults and name-calling. It seems when it comes to gender issues most women politicians are on the same page with a collective commitment to prioritise the interests of women in South Africa.
PHOTO: Dr Gertrude Fester, Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Joy Davids (Good), Hazel Bowen, Fhatuwani Muswobi (Rise Mzansi), Nomi Nkondlo (ANC), Dr Annelie Lotriet (DA), Angela Sobey (ActionSA) and Prof Amanda Gouws.
