Tackling the gender inequality issue in the South African workplace
While there has been significant progress against gender inequality, the issue still has visible effects, especially in countries like South Africa. African women earn less than men, and they are offered low-skilled jobs, which prevents them from progressing in their careers. Although women in South Africa are ambitious when entering the workforce, they don't have the same opportunities as men, who are usually more successful in terms of rank and pay. This is due to the stereotypes that are deeply rooted in African society, and the only way to overcome them is to challenge the existing societal norms and create inclusive workplaces where women can thrive.
Pay disparity is huge in South Africa, affecting women's quality of life
Reports on the pay gender gap show that South African women have a salary that is 23%-35% lower than men having the same role. This significantly hinders women's wealth creation trajectory in the country, leading to inequalities that can become exponential in the long run. In the broader society, undervaluing the professional contribution of African women can also take a toll on their mental health, at the same time affecting their extended families and children. The pay disparity issue is major, and it is unfair to think how this discrimination limits women from achieving a better quality of life – especially when they do have the skills required to build successful careers.
For instance,
African women are underrepresented in leadership positions
While African women are part of the country's workforce, only 7% of JSE-listed organisations have women working as executives. But this is a minor percentage, and having more women in leadership is essential to drive change in South African workplaces. The lack of women in roles requiring decision-making skills stifles innovation, enforcing a male-dominated culture, which only perpetuates gender inequality. Tackling this issue ultimately comes down to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace – that's the only way women (and society) can progress.
Different barriers prevent women from joining corporate boards in the country. Firstly, the business culture is a significant factor, as from a historical perspective, African women have experienced high rates of unemployment, financial dependence and even
Caregiving duties place significant pressure on African women
The best work environments are those where employers feel like their well-being matters and where they don't have to
Their caregiving duties significantly impact their professional lives and their ability to earn an income. They feel pressured to meet all the expectations, and finding a balance between professional and personal life gets too overwhelming. There is also a dichotomy between women's earning and spending that needs to be considered. While they are the ones to make most decisions regarding household purchases, women generate less income than their husbands, which can cause tension in the relationship. Women are considered less than ideal workers due to their responsibilities, and of course, achieving equity in the workplace will never be possible if women are excluded only because they have children to look after. Hence, it becomes essential to accommodate
Creating equitable and diverse workplaces in the African society: a matter of collective commitment
South Africa is clearly moving in the right direction when it comes to gender equality, but there's still a lot to be done to bridge the gender gap. Companies need to do their own part in achieving this goal by prioritising the search for female talent to fulfil executive roles. In the long run, a culture shift would be required to remove stereotypes and gender biases in the workplace. However, this change is a significant one, and it will likely take time to be implemented.
As the world becomes more and more uncertain, it's essential to have leaders who can lead with empathy and inform through honest and effective communication. And women demonstrate these strengths, making them suitable for leadership positions. Hence, organisations, policymakers, and society should work together to overcome all those barriers and build workplaces that support everyone's contribution, no matter their gender. Only by tackling the gender diversity issue in South Africa can the country thrive and tap into the full potential of its female top talent. It's important to remember that women are just as capable as men, and they deserve a chance at a better quality of life, so to see change, it's essential to work on challenging stereotypes effectively.
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Mail & Guardian
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