Abstract
The objective of this study is to explore the status of gender mainstreaming in policymaking
processes at municipal level in South Africa. A review of feminist approaches in the South
African context shows that awareness regarding women’s participation and empowerment is
recognised at societal and political levels and led to the establishment of the South African
Women’s Charter in 1994. This awareness at the local government level gave rise to the
Local Government White Paper of 1998; the Municipal Structures Act (Act 117 of 1998); and
the Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000). These legislative measures put emphasis on
improved participation of women in ward committees and also ensured that women’s needs
during municipal development plans have to be taken into consideration. However, the
findings of this study expose a different dimension whereby policies are considered genderneutral
and suggest that women are still sidelined in policymaking processes...