Violation of women’s rights takes centre stage

Factors such as gender discrimination and sexual harassment continue to stifle the progress of women in the mining, energy and construction sectors.

This according to a report presented by Pulane Mafoea, research specialist at the Sam Tambani Research Institute, at the institute’s official launch at the Elijah Barayi Memorial Training Centre in Midrand.

The report was as a result of the findings from, the Challenges Facing Women in the Mining, Construction and Energy Sectors research. The Sam Tambani Research Institute is mandated jointly by the National Union of Mineworkers (Num) and the Mineworkers Investment Trust (Mit) to undertake research of the primary issues affecting workers in the three industries with the aim of tabling policy recommendations in relevant platforms.

Mafoea said the research found, among other things, that women working in these male-dominated industries have very limited opportunities to rise within their ranks owing to factors such as gender discrimination, sexual harassment and lack of provision for their physical and structural needs by employers. It also highlighted the harsh reality of women being raped in their workplaces and having no structures available for recourse.

She said, “These incidents are of grave concern and are on the rise. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of support for victims, which is why there need to be stronger responses for victims of sexual harassment and abuse.”

Addressing an auditorium with stakeholders that included Num, Department of Mineral Resources, Chamber of Mines, gender activist groups and other civil society organisations, Mafoea emphasised the need to develop, implement and monitor a national action plan to address gender stereotyping and biases in the workplace.

The family of late political activist, trade unionist and community leader Sam Tambani whom the institute is named after, was also in attendance. Tambani was very passionate about improving the well-being of workers, especially through training. He was killed by apartheid police on 14 April 1993 at Protea Police Station in Soweto while leading a peaceful demonstration against Chris Hani’s murder.