Gender Workplace Programmes 19 April 2005

Legislative Framework SA Constitution, 1996; Public Service Act, 1994; Public Service Regulations; Public Service Regulations; Collective Agreements; Collective Agreements; Departmental Policies, Procedures, Practices and Directives; Departmental Policies, Procedures, Practices and Directives; Employment Equity Act, 1998; Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997; Labour Relations Act, 1995; Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993; Skills Development Act, 1998; GPG Gender Policy Framework; National Policy Framework for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality.

The GPG Gender Policy Framework, 2003: GPG Employees OUTCOMEOUTPUT Eradication of Gender discrimination within GPG and promotion of human rights culture.  Gender sensitization (workshops/training and awareness campaigns).  Dissemination of gender relevant information.  National Women’s Day/Month.  Gender Forum.  Transversal Policy Framework on Sexual Harassment Policy and/or Violence Against Women.  Departmental budgets to implementation of the Policy. Gender Representation at all levels (demographics).  Implementation of AA Policies with targets (HRD Strategy).  Recruitment Policies are free of discrimination.  Retention Strategy for female employees. Ensuring that GPG is a gender- friendly place to work.  Provision of Health Care Facilities.  Gender sensitive EAP.  Conditions of employment.

Gender Breakdown: GPG Total employees:

Gender distribution per occupational level:

The Gap

Analysis of GPG numerical status and targets set: GPG Management representivity in respect of gender is already in line with minimum national targets (i.e. 30%). Drastic decline in representivity of females from low level to SMS; Majority of female employees are at lower levels (e.g. nursing, teaching, clerical, etc.) Majority of female employees are at lower levels (e.g. nursing, teaching, clerical, etc.) Gap of 20% (30% - 50%) women in management needs to be met by 2009; Do we have a sufficient “feeder group” at middle management level to meet the targets?

How do we close the gap? Strategies need to be put in place in respect of the following: Reviewing the EE targets; Reviewing the EE targets; Numerical targets; HR Planning; Monitoring. Skills Development: Skills Development: Equitable distribution of Training and Development Budget (monitoring); Accelerated Development Programmes; Mentorship Programmes (e.g. GMDP); Learnership Programmes (18.1); ABET Programmes; Succession Planning;

How do we close the gap? (cont’d) Retention Strategy: How do we retain our existing employees? How do we retain our existing employees? Scarce Skills: How do we attract potential female employees into scarce skills occupations? How do we attract potential female employees into scarce skills occupations? Learnership (18.2) and Internship programmes (targets); External Bursary Scheme; Participation in “Take a Girl Child to Work Campaign” – Cell C. Addressing the barriers/discriminatory practices and short-comings in policies, procedures and practices: Part of EE Plan (Striving towards HR Best Practice); Part of EE Plan (Striving towards HR Best Practice); Do we recognize diversity in personal circumstances, e.g. working mothers, single parents?; Do we recognize diversity in personal circumstances, e.g. working mothers, single parents?; Does the work environment provide for e.g.; child care facilities, flexible working hours, etc. Does the work environment provide for e.g.; child care facilities, flexible working hours, etc.

Do Departments have the following in place and how effective are they? Employment Equity Plans (numerical and non-numerical targets)? Workplace Skills Plans (targets)? Learnership and Internship Programmes (targets)? Gender Policy and -Awareness Programmes? Gender Workplace Forums/Gender Desk? HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy? Non-discriminatory HR policies, practices and procedures (audited)? Employee Wellness Programme (incl. EAP)? Diversity Management Programmes? Gender Workplace Budgets? Reliable and accurate HR Information? Monitoring and Evaluation tools?

THANK YOU!