Issued by Daniela Ellerbeck on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation on 21/05/2025

Introduction

The FW de Klerk Foundation’s 2024 Human Rights Report Card offers a comprehensive assessment of the extent to which rights and freedoms, enshrined in the Constitution, were upheld throughout the 2024 calendar year. Among these rights is section 9, which guarantees everyone the right to equality. This expressly includes the right to equal protection and benefit of the law; the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms and the right to not be unfairly discriminated against on various grounds, including gender. This article examines gender equality in the workplace.

What The Numbers Say

The Women in the South African Economy Report (2024) shows that women’s participation in the labour force stood at 50,6%. This is significantly lower than that of men, which stood at 63,6% (see page 21). The same report further reveals that women earned only 75,8% of what men earned for similar work (see page 22), indicating a persistent gender pay gap. Additionally, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, occupying just 33,1% of managerial positions (see page 54). These findings underscore the on-going structural barriers that limit women’s full participation in the economy.

Safety is Key to Achieving Gender Equality in the Workplace

South Africa needs to remove any barriers to entry into the economy to address the issue of women being underrepresented in the economy. The FW de Klerk Foundation has also highlighted how the lack of safety in South Africa acts as a barrier to entry, preventing women from fully participating in the economy. Globally women often face rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment when trying to pursue economic opportunities – e.g. employment, funding for businesses and government procurement opportunities. The South African Police Service’s crime statistics show South Africa continued to struggle with Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with the GBV rate remaining extremely high in 2024: The number of female murder victims decreased by 68 murders in 2024 compared to 2023. However, the number of attempted female murder victims increased by 327 when compared to 2023. Sexual violence remains a persistent issue, although 2024 saw a 0,84% decrease in sexual offences from the year before. However, underreporting remains a critical concern, with only 20% of women who suffer sexual abuse reporting it. Female assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm (“GBH”) victims decreased by 1,71%. Arguments, misunderstandings, road rage incidents or provocation, consistently remained the highest causative factors for in 2024, with the most common place of occurrence being the residence of either the perpetrator or victim (including residences known by either the victim or perpetrator, e.g. family/friends/neighbours). The prevalence of this offense suggests persistent gaps in community policing and preventative strategies. Approximately 12,66% of assault GBH incidents were alcohol-related in 2024, reflecting deep-rooted societal issues such as alcohol abuse, economic stress and inadequate conflict resolution mechanisms – emphasising the need for improved intervention strategies.

Should We Make More Laws?

South Africa has legislation specifically aimed at protecting women, including, but not limited to, the Domestic Violence Act, 1998, and the Protection from Harassment Act, 2011. There is also the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act, 2024. This Act commenced operation on 15 November 2024. It establishes the National Council on GB and Femicide (“the Council”). This Council is a statutory body to lead and coordinate efforts to combat GBV and femicide in South Africa. It consists of government representatives and civil society members, ensuring a multi-sectoral approach. Its key functions include developing a National Strategic Plan, monitoring policy implementation and ensuring funding for GBV-related programmes. The Council also strengthens coordination between law enforcement, social services and healthcare providers to improve victim support and prevention measures.

As per the above, the problem is not for lack of laws. Rather these laws must be effectively and consistently implemented nationwide.

Conclusion

Until South Africa succeeds in making it safe for women when they are trying to participate in the economy, the problem of gender inequality in the economy will persist. For more information on the health of this important right, see the FW de Klerk Foundation’s 2024 Human Rights Report Card.