Affirmative Action in South Africa; A Gender Development Approach

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	Affirmative Action in South Africa; A Gender Development Approach
Author:	Sadie, Yolanda
Year:	1995
Periodical:	Africa Insight
Volume:	25
Issue:	3
Pages:	180-185
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	rural women Women's Issues Law, Human Rights and Violence Equality and Liberation Law, Legal Issues, and Human Rights Status of Women
Abstract:	In this article the term affirmative action is used in a broad sense, covering all purposive activity designed to eliminate the effects of apartheid and to create a society where everyone has the same chance to get on in life. It is seen as a means of developing human abilities - a central part of overall development. Attention is specifically given to gender development, with particular reference to African rural women who are regarded as the most oppressed and disadvantaged in South African society. After a description of the nature and scope of inequality in South Africa, the author proposes areas in which affirmative action programmes can help to satisfy the strategic and practical needs of rural women: training and employment, housing, and basic services. For the implementation of affirmative action programmes in South Africa, the author advocates the introduction of 'gender planners' or specialists in government departments, NGOs and the corporate sector as integrated members of general planning divisions. Notes, ref.