Gender and Policy: the disconnect between Gender Equality and Policy Objectives

The concept of gender emphasizes the differences between men and women and these are so deeply embedded in our cultures and societies that we see them as “normal”. Potential inequalities in access to resources and power may therefore not be evident to us unless we critically analyze how we think and act in relation to gender. Men and women are not only affected by the same risks differently but also can face different types of risks.

Economic and social gender-specific vulnerabilities are often multiple and interlinked, resulting in chronic poverty and vulnerability. Without using a gendered lens in the development and evaluation of policy there will be a substantial disconnect between gender equity on the one hand and policy objectives on the other.

This seminar will take the form of a panel discussion on the importance of looking at the policy implications of research using a gendered lens. Three recent policy briefs written by Prof Vasu Reddy and Prof Relebohile Molestsane which highlight the impact of gender in different policy areas will be used as examples of this:

-Gender equality in the mathematics and science school curriculum
-Women’s Participation on industrial science, engineering and technology
-The gendered dimensions of food security in South Africa: a review of the literature

Publisher: HSRC
Year of Publication: 2011