Abstract
This dissertation explores the impact and efficacy of the Revised SADC Protocol on Gender and Development in promoting gender equality and political empowerment for women in South Africa and Lesotho. It is titled Exploring the Revised SADC Protocol on Gender and Development: Re-envisaging the Efficacy of the Protocol in South Africa and Lesotho. With each of these two nations having distinct cultural and political settings that impact gender dynamics, this study aims to evaluate the Protocol's implementation and effectiveness in advancing gender parity throughout Southern Africa.
The study starts with a review of the literature that places the Protocol in the larger context of gender equality and development. This review identifies gaps in the literature that this dissertation aims to fill. The study uses a qualitative research design, guided by the theories of gender and development, political empowerment frameworks, and intersectionality. Data is gathered through surveys of stakeholders and policymakers, document analysis, and interviews. Through an analysis of legal frameworks, policy implementation, and sociocultural impediments, the report analyses how well each nation has done in carrying out the Protocol's requirements.
The results show that although both South Africa and Lesotho have made progress in implementing the Protocol into their national policy, there are still issues, especially with regard to resolving ingrained social norms and attaining fair representation in political arenas. The report outlines the Protocol's advantages as well as the areas in which more assistance and accountability systems are required to increase its efficacy. In addition to providing suggestions for improving the Protocol to better assist women's political engagement and empowerment in Southern Africa, this dissertation includes insightful analysis of the effects of regional policies on gender equality