Abstract
Abstract : This study focuses on the South African Strategic Framework for Gender Equality within the Public Service (2006-2015). The study is qualitative in nature and performed literature and documentary reviews of official reports. It utilised an unobtrusive method for the research. This study provides a conceptual framework gained from the relevant literature in an effort to explain the issues, concerns and challenges related to gender equality. The study contextualises factors that affect the effective implementation of the Strategic Framework for Gender Equality within the Public Service. The realisation of gender equality and women’s empowerment in a broader perspective forms part of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5. This study recommends that all South African public service departments need to gain knowledge and awareness regarding gender mainstreaming and gender equality through workshops and short courses; and the human resource (HR) management processes in the public service need to be gender based; gender mainstreaming and equality processes and structures need to be established, integrated, and functioning efficiently. The study also suggests that that all public service departments submit a gender mainstreaming and equality report annually to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) for assessment to identify gaps in the implementation of the Strategic Framework for Gender Equality within the South African Public Service. These corrective measures may improve gender equality in the public service, hence meeting the goals of SDG 5 (gender equality and women’s empowerment) at large.
M.A. (Public Management and Governance)