Blog Post
Representation in South Africa does not mitigate GBV
Even with representation in the government, women experience high levels of gendered violence and discriminatory experiences in the workplace.
A part of the Global Pluralism Monitor Methodology is the application of a gender lens in the assessments. The Global Pluralism Monitor: South Africa report shows an example of this analysis and its findings.
The Global Pluralism Monitor’s dimension of Leadership provides insight into the status of women in politics and other areas of influence. Across the political sphere, South Africa has one of the most gender-diverse parliaments in the world with women comprising 46% of its representatives. In the news media sphere, women also comprise 55% of the staff, although the upper echelons of media corporations are dominated by men. However, even with these levels of representation, women experience disproportionally high levels of gendered violence and discriminatory experiences in the workplace and politics. With an estimated 500,000 sexual crimes each year and weak restorative justice procedures, gender based violence continues to plague South Africa. While forms of gender representation in parts of the private sector and government demonstrate higher access to opportunities, this often leads to more systemic issues such as violence being overlooked.
To learn more about the status of women and girls in all aspects of pluralism, visit the Global Pluralism Report: South Africa country page.