LIMPOPO – The problem in South Africa is not the absence of policy, but the absence of implementers which holds true with attaining mainstream gender equality, says former president, Thabo Mbeki.
Mbeki addressed thousands of people at the University of Venda on gender mainstreaming in the workplace, stating that although the gender mainstream approach is proving too difficult to put in place, people should continue closing the gap.
He added the process of rectifying must start at the institutions of higher learning. Mbeki said men and women should be heard and treated equally. The issue of gender equity looks difficult and is a very complex matter but the existent wide gap should be closed. “In education, female students start high school as a minority and finish as the majority. Men always drop out, yet women are still not treated equally with men.”
The former head of state used statistics to highlight the broader dilemma of gender inequality.
“Four years ago, 22% of households in the Eastern Cape did not receive clean water which affected women as they were forced to walk long distances to fetch unclean water from the rivers. At present more women die of heart illness due to the high stress levels they face in their daily lives. Women in the continent are doing their best to secure food and water for their families and this causes stress.”
Mbeki also stated that Zimbabweans are closer to their land while in South Africa, people get back their land they lost, but then later sold it. Prof Peter Mbati, vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Venda, said the institution will continue keeping in touch with academics who can help in the development of the university.
