Three cheers for Mbeki?s bold increase in women premiers

The dramatic increase in women premiers has been the most significant gender development following the 2004 elections in which the proportion of women MPs increased from thirty to 32.8 percent, and of women provincial legislators from 27 percent to 32.6 percent. Gauteng province leads the way with 42 percent MPLs, while Kwa Zulu Natal and the Free State are lowest at 26 percent.

Gender Links applauds President Thabo Mbeki’s bold move in increasing the number of women premiers from one to four, bringing the proportion of women to men in this key decision-making structure to almost equal.

We urge the President to continue on this enlightened track in his cabinet appointments, where there are presently eight out 27, or thirty percent women ministers.

The dramatic increase in women premiers has been the most significant gender development following the 2004 elections in which the proportion of women MPs increased from thirty to 32.8 percent, and of women provincial legislators from 27 percent to 32.6 percent. Gauteng province leads the way with 42 percent MPLs, while Kwa Zulu Natal and the Free State are lowest at 26 percent.

The difference between the legislatures and political appointments such as the premiers and cabinet is that in the latter two cases the president has the power to swing swift changes.

We have no doubt that gender considerations featured as a factor in the President’s decision to increase the number of women premiers. Our recent study, “Ringing up the Changes, Gender in Southern African Politics” underscores the symbolic significance of having women in high office, especially at provincial and local level, where their mere presence is a powerful force in challenging gender stereotypes.

The study goes on to show, however, that where women are represented in significant strengths in decision-making structures, they have a profound effect on institutional culture, the types of laws and policies that are passed. Globally, there is a strong correlation between the presence of women in decision- making and more responsive governance, with a stronger social justice focus. Recent research by the World Bank has also shown a correlation between the presence of women in decision-making and more transparent, less corrupt government.

In 1997 Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of state pledged to increase the level of women to thirty percent in all areas of decision-making. South Africa has provided a strong impetus to the rest of the region, and is looked to for leadership in raising the thresh hold from one third to gender parity.

Mbeki’s provincial appointments will bring cheer to activists across Southern Africa and cast the spotlight on imminent cabinet appointments. In the past, the president has a shown a commitment not only to increasing the level of representation of women in cabinet, but also to placing them in non- traditional posts such as intelligence, mining and the public service.

The tables below summarise the increases of women in politics at various levels. They may be reproduced with acknowledgement to Gender Links.

For more information contact: Colleen 082-651-6995 or Kubi on 082-378-8239

Or visit www. genderlinks.org.za.

WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT in SA 1994 to 2004

Source: Gender Links

WOMEN IN PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURES IN SA

Source: Gender Links

WOMEN IN THE EXECUTIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Source: Gender Links