President Cyril Ramaphosa faced the ugly truth when he stated, “As a country, we find ourselves in the midst of not one, but two, devastating pandemics. Although very different in their nature and cause, they can both be overcome – if we work together, if we each take personal responsibility for our action and if we each take care of each other.”
Women are much more likely than men to be affected by the current crisis. According to the United Nations Population Fund, one in three women experience domestic violence in South Africa and the rate of femicide is five times the global average. Therefore, what is transpiring behind the closed doors of the lockdown is gravely concerning.
In addition to these alarming statistics, it’s estimated that the global gender pay gap is 16%, leaving women more vulnerable to economic hardship. Approximately 60% of women’s employment is in the informal economy, with limited access to social protection. So, the big question is, what can we do to change things?
Successful women have a responsibility to guide, support and pave the way for the future generation of female leaders. We must be approachable and willing to spend time on mentorship and other initiatives that build women up. However, this is only possible if men join us on this mission.
According to women’s rights activist Graca Machel, the first step is to allow women to be heard: “If you have to have a proper response to this and if you want to have any kind of proper redesigning … you have to bring this to the centre and listen to women’s voices and aspirations.”
The Minerals Council South Africa is actively taking on the challenge of closing the gender diversity gap in the mining sector. Some of their most notable achievements include the appointment of a great leader, Nolita Fakude, group director South Africa, Anglo American, to champion this cause. She has been elected as vice president of the Minerals Council South Africa in a positive step towards closing the gender diversity gap.
In light of the global pandemic, it is more important than ever that humanity stands together. Men need to embrace the idea of having more women in leadership roles, and we ALL need to proactively strive for greater equality in terms of access to quality education and job opportunities.
Regardless of race, age or gender, we need to work together to facilitate the changes necessary to improve the lives of women in South Africa and beyond her borders. There are four practical steps that we can take to help turn the tide on inequality:
This Women’s Month, we need to do more than simply reflect on the inequalities that women face. Instead, let’s connect and start partnering to effect the real changes needed to help women survive and thrive, now and beyond 2020.
