The clock is ticking for gender equality, activists warn SADC Heads of State

Date: September 11, 2009

Kinshasa 10 September: While there has been some visible progress in attaining gender equality in the fifteen countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), notably in education and political decision-making, there is still a long way to go to achieve the 28 targets of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development. This is the main finding of an extensive baseline study carried out by the Southern African Gender Protocol Alliance, which comprises over forty regional and national NGOS that campaigned for the adoption of the Protocol in August 2008. The baseline barometer is being canvassed at the SADC Heads of State summit in the DRC on 10 September 2009.

Three SADC members (Malawi, Botswana and Mauritius) have not yet signed the Protocol and none have yet ratified the ground-breaking instrument adopted that sets 28 targets for the attainment of gender equality by 2015. But mindful that there is only six years to go for these targets to be achieved, the Alliance has compiled baseline data at country and regional level against which progress will be monitored and evaluated by civil society as part of its watchdog function.

The report finds that while there are many glaring gaps, there are also signs of progress which provide hope that change is possible. It also finds huge variations between countries in all the indices. For example, Mauritius has the region’s lowest maternal mortality with only 13 deaths per 100, 000 compared to 1400 per 100 000 in Angola (one of the highest rates in the world). Yet with 37% women in politics, Angola has the second highest proportion of women in politics in the region while Mauritius at 17% in national and 6.4% in local government is near the bottom of the regional league on this front.

The full report can be found here. Also on this link is a case study of the process by which civil society organisations came together to lobby for the Protocol called “Roadmap to Equality.À The two reports were launched at the civil society forum ahead of the Heads of State summit last week. Attached is a gender equality score card for the region that is being compiled by activists attending the summit. Add your voice by filling in the SADC Gender Protocol Citizen Score Card and E Mailing it to alliance@genderlinks.org.za by the end of September!

Key findings:

The key findings of the report may be summarised as follows:
Constitutional provisions for gender equality are patchy: While Constitutions have varying provisions on sex discrimination and gender equality, these are patchy. However, good practices in a number of countries including South Africa, Namibia and Malawi, and constitutional reviews taking place in five SADC countries point to the potential for change. While Constitutions have varying provisions on sex discrimination and gender equality, these are patchy. However, good practices in a number of countries including South Africa, Namibia and Malawi, and constitutional reviews taking place in five SADC countries point to the potential for change.

Legal reform is advancing: There are several examples of affirmative action being incorporated into laws and constitutions. Reviews of discriminatory legislation are taking place throughout the region in an effort to eliminate remaining discriminatory practices. There are several examples of affirmative action being incorporated into laws and constitutions. Reviews of discriminatory legislation are taking place throughout the region in an effort to eliminate remaining discriminatory practices.

But harmful customary practices undermine women’s rights: The contradictions between customary law and codified law undercut women’s rights at every turn. Harmful practices which threaten the physical integrity of women and girls are occurring every day. Women struggle to access justice. Customary law further undermines access to justice. In many SADC countries, girls marry from the onset of puberty. Widows throughout the SADC region are vulnerable to highly discriminative practices such as property dispossession. The contradictions between customary law and codified law undercut women’s rights at every turn. Harmful practices which threaten the physical integrity of women and girls are occurring every day. Women struggle to access justice. Customary law further undermines access to justice. In many SADC countries, girls marry from the onset of puberty. Widows throughout the SADC region are vulnerable to highly discriminative practices such as property dispossession.

HIV and AIDS undermines fragile gains: Currently 35% of all people living with HIV and AIDS in the world are in the SADC region. Seven of the fifteen SADC countries have a HIV and AIDS prevalence of over 15%. In thirteen of the fifteen SADC countries, women have a higher HIV and AIDS prevalence than men. In ten of the fifteen SADC countries, less than 50% of people living with AIDS are receiving antiretroviral drugs. In nine of the fifteen countries, less than 50% of the 15-24 year old population have a comprehensive knowledge of HIV and AIDS. In a 2009 survey of care work policies GEMSA rated one policy (Namibia) excellent; three good; two fair; two mediocre and four poor. Currently 35% of all people living with HIV and AIDS in the world are in the SADC region. Seven of the fifteen SADC countries have a HIV and AIDS prevalence of over 15%. In thirteen of the fifteen SADC countries, women have a higher HIV and AIDS prevalence than men. In ten of the fifteen SADC countries, less than 50% of people living with AIDS are receiving antiretroviral drugs. In nine of the fifteen countries, less than 50% of the 15-24 year old population have a comprehensive knowledge of HIV and AIDS. In a 2009 survey of care work policies GEMSA rated one policy (Namibia) excellent; three good; two fair; two mediocre and four poor.

Women lack decision-making power over their lives and bodies: Choice of termination of pregnancy is only fully legal in one SADC country: South Africa. Despite the provisions for sexual and reproductive health and the fact that most countries have some policy framework to cater for this, contraceptive usage varies from 6% in Angola to 65% in South Africa. Choice of termination of pregnancy is only fully legal in one SADC country: South Africa. Despite the provisions for sexual and reproductive health and the fact that most countries have some policy framework to cater for this, contraceptive usage varies from 6% in Angola to 65% in South Africa.

Gender violence is escalating: Despite concerted campaigns, there is no sign of gender violence abating. Indeed, this is taking new forms with trafficking now a major threat, especially in light of preparations for the hosting of Soccer 2010 in South Africa. Sexual and gender based violence in schools is a serious problem in the region, and greater measures must be taken to combat this trend. Despite concerted campaigns, there is no sign of gender violence abating. Indeed, this is taking new forms with trafficking now a major threat, especially in light of preparations for the hosting of Soccer 2010 in South Africa. Sexual and gender based violence in schools is a serious problem in the region, and greater measures must be taken to combat this trend.

GBV is high on the political agenda: All SADC countries now have comprehensive, multi sector action plans for ending gender violence, in line with the call made by the UN Secretary General in 2006. Thanks to collaboration between civil society and governments, all SADC countries now have in place multi sector action plans to end gender violence. Specific targets and indicators need to be strengthened. More resources and effort needs to go towards prevention. All SADC countries now have comprehensive, multi sector action plans for ending gender violence, in line with the call made by the UN Secretary General in 2006. Thanks to collaboration between civil society and governments, all SADC countries now have in place multi sector action plans to end gender violence. Specific targets and indicators need to be strengthened. More resources and effort needs to go towards prevention.

But progress on the legal front is patchy: Nine of the SADC countries currently have legislation on domestic violence. Only seven SADC countries currently have specific legislation that relates to sexual offences. Only one country, South Africa, has specific provisions for Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Ten SADC countries have some form of legislation to address sexual harassment; most of this in labour laws. Nine of the SADC countries currently have legislation on domestic violence. Only seven SADC countries currently have specific legislation that relates to sexual offences. Only one country, South Africa, has specific provisions for Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Ten SADC countries have some form of legislation to address sexual harassment; most of this in labour laws.

Services are inadequate: There is no legal aid for survivors of gender violence in at least five SADC countries; in all SADC countries NGOs carry the major burden of providing advisory services. There are no places of safety in four SADC countries; in all SADC countries these facilities have little or no state support. There is no legal aid for survivors of gender violence in at least five SADC countries; in all SADC countries NGOs carry the major burden of providing advisory services. There are no places of safety in four SADC countries; in all SADC countries these facilities have little or no state support.

There is need for reliable indicators on GBV: The unreliable and sporadic data on the extent of all forms of GBV points to the need to escalate the pilot project for developing GBV indicators started in South Africa, Botswana and Mauritius. The unreliable and sporadic data on the extent of all forms of GBV points to the need to escalate the pilot project for developing GBV indicators started in South Africa, Botswana and Mauritius.

There has been progress in education: Many countries have reached gender parity in primary and secondary education. In Mauritius and Botswana, there are now more women than men in tertiary institutions. Many countries have reached gender parity in primary and secondary education. In Mauritius and Botswana, there are now more women than men in tertiary institutions.

But gaps and stereotypes remain: The gender gap continues to widen in higher education, largely because of pregnancy, HIV and AIDS related care work, economic constraints and deeply entrenched gender stereotypes that discourage girls’ education. School administrations are greatly imbalanced with men dominating all spheres, especially higher management positions. Men are predominant in the faculties of Science and Law, while women are predominant in some countries in Arts, Humanities and Health Sciences. The gender gap continues to widen in higher education, largely because of pregnancy, HIV and AIDS related care work, economic constraints and deeply entrenched gender stereotypes that discourage girls’ education. School administrations are greatly imbalanced with men dominating all spheres, especially higher management positions. Men are predominant in the faculties of Science and Law, while women are predominant in some countries in Arts, Humanities and Health Sciences.

There has been significant movement with regard to women’s participation in political decision-making: The proportion of women in parliament has increased from 17.5% at the time of the Declaration to 25% at present. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa is the first party in the region to have formally adopted and implemented the Protocol target of gender parity by 2015, in the April 2009 elections. In the 2006 local elections, Lesotho showed that it is possible to adopt and implement quotas even in the first past the post electoral system. With 58% women in local government, Lesotho is the only instance in the region of women exceeding the 50% target. The proportion of women in parliament has increased from 17.5% at the time of the Declaration to 25% at present. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa is the first party in the region to have formally adopted and implemented the Protocol target of gender parity by 2015, in the April 2009 elections. In the 2006 local elections, Lesotho showed that it is possible to adopt and implement quotas even in the first past the post electoral system. With 58% women in local government, Lesotho is the only instance in the region of women exceeding the 50% target.

But there are major gaps between countries: This ranges from 42% women in parliament in South Africa to 7% in the DRC. There is a higher proportion (almost 30%) of women at the local level but the gap is even wider, from 1.2% in Angola to 58% in Lesotho. This ranges from 42% women in parliament in South Africa to 7% in the DRC. There is a higher proportion (almost 30%) of women at the local level but the gap is even wider, from 1.2% in Angola to 58% in Lesotho.

Botswana and Lesotho top the pubic service charts: While Botswana is lagging behind in political decision-making, this country (and Lesotho) is close to parity in the public service, both overall and at the top decision-making levels. While Botswana is lagging behind in political decision-making, this country (and Lesotho) is close to parity in the public service, both overall and at the top decision-making levels.

Women are missing from economic decision-making: Women only constitute 25% of economic decision makers defined as ministers, deputy ministers and permanent secretaries of finance and economic development as well as governors and deputy governors of central banks. In some countries this is considerably lower, for example in Mauritius there are no women in economic decision- making. At the time of writing there was only one women finance minister (in Namibia) in the SADC region.

Women only constitute 25% of economic decision makers defined as ministers, deputy ministers and permanent secretaries of finance and economic development as well as governors and deputy governors of central banks. In some countries this is considerably lower, for example in Mauritius there are no women in economic decision- making. At the time of writing there was only one women finance minister (in Namibia) in the SADC region.

Women are also missing from all areas of economic participation: Trade policies are mostly gender blind. Only a few procurement policies make specific reference to women. Women still struggle to access credit although most SADC countries now have programmes of one kind or the other to assist women in accessing credit. Women continue to predominate in the informal sector. Figures on land ownership are patchy, but range from 11% to 46% (in Botswana). However the land holdings of women are much smaller than those of men. There are huge gaps in the per capita income of women and men: for example in South Africa, the per capita income of women in 45% that of men. Trade policies are mostly gender blind. Only a few procurement policies make specific reference to women. Women still struggle to access credit although most SADC countries now have programmes of one kind or the other to assist women in accessing credit. Women continue to predominate in the informal sector. Figures on land ownership are patchy, but range from 11% to 46% (in Botswana). However the land holdings of women are much smaller than those of men. There are huge gaps in the per capita income of women and men: for example in South Africa, the per capita income of women in 45% that of men.

One step forwards, two steps backwards in the media: Women constitute 41% of Southern African media employees (32% if South Africa is excluded) and less than a quarter of those at Board, top and senior management level. Women constituted 17% of news sources in the region in the Gender and Media Baseline Study (GMBS) conducted in 2003; this had increased to 19% in the 2005 Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP). A Gender and Media Progress Study (GMPS) being conducted in 2009/2010 will provide updated data. Blatant and more subtle forms of gender stereotypes abound in the media. Women constitute 41% of Southern African media employees (32% if South Africa is excluded) and less than a quarter of those at Board, top and senior management level. Women constituted 17% of news sources in the region in the Gender and Media Baseline Study (GMBS) conducted in 2003; this had increased to 19% in the 2005 Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP). A Gender and Media Progress Study (GMPS) being conducted in 2009/2010 will provide updated data. Blatant and more subtle forms of gender stereotypes abound in the media.

Political will is key: The fact that women are still (with some exceptions, like South Africa) least well represented in cabinet throws into question the political commitment of leaders. The fact that women are still (with some exceptions, like South Africa) least well represented in cabinet throws into question the political commitment of leaders.

Deliberate measures are necessary: There is no instance in which any targets set by SADC for the attainment of gender equality have been met without deliberate measures. For example, all the countries that have achieved rapid advances in political decision-making have done so through voluntary and or legislated quotas. There is no instance in which any targets set by SADC for the attainment of gender equality have been met without deliberate measures. For example, all the countries that have achieved rapid advances in political decision-making have done so through voluntary and or legislated quotas.

Yes we can! The fact that gender parity has been reached or exceeded in some countries shows that change is possible.

Next steps
These include:

Launch of the Baseline Barometer together with the Roadmap to Equality handbook and DVD at the Heads of State Summit in the DRC in September 2009.
Administering of the “SADC Gender Protocol Citizen Score CardÀ based on this report at the parallel civil society forum and online.
Workshops on the country reports and administering of the citizen score card at country level.
Storing all information in an online, interactive data base.
Developing and refining sector and country policies.
Tracking, monitoring and evaluating progress.
Updating and reporting on the baseline study annually.

For more information phone Colleen Lowe Morna on 27 82 651 6995 or Kubi Rama on 27 82 378 8239 or Loga Virahsawmy on 230 4218433.

The clock is ticking for gender equality, activists warn SADC Heads of State

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