COMMISSION ON GENDER EQUALITY

1. COMMISSION ON GENDER EQUALITY SUBMISSION TO THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT 9 JUNE 2004

2. MANDATE OF THE CGE To promote respect for gender equality and the protection, development and attainment of gender equality.

3. VISION A society free from Gender Discrimination, and all forms of oppression in which people will have the opportunity and means to realize their potential, regardless of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, disability or geographic location

4. MISSION The CGE will fulfill its statutory mandate as an independent constitutional body by: • Continuously engaging in co–operative & visible partnerships with stakeholders; • Supporting democratic processes in South Africa by facilitating gender equality within the societal structures as whole; • Promoting, protecting, monitoring & evaluating gender equality in South Africa

5. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES  Monitor  Educate, Inform & Develop  Evaluate  Investigate  Create strategic linkages nationally, regionally & internationally  Create appropriate sustainable structures

6. POA THEMES: • Gender, Culture, Tradition and Religion • Gender, Good Governance and Democracy • Gender Based Violence • Gender and Poverty

7. THE SECRETARIAT CONSISTS OF: • PUBLIC EDUCATION AND INFORMATION • POLICY AND RESEARCH • LEGAL • FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

8. WATCHDOG FOR GENDER EQUALITY • Survey: Implementation of the DVA • Findings of surveys conducted at 20 magisterial courts and police stations • Gender Discrimination in the Legal Profession • Employment Equity • Enquiry into the gendered lived experience of older persons living in conditions of poverty • Men’s involvement in the quest to end gender based violence • Vukuzakhe Poverty Relief Project (Public Works Programme) • Social Security • Access to Land

9. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND RESEARCH PROJECTS • Submissions to Parliament • Research Projects • Compliance with International Instruments

10. SUBMISSIONS ON LEGISLATION • Alteration Of Sex Description And Sex Status Bill • Report Of The Committee Of Enquiry Into A Comprehensive System Of Social Security for South Africa • Traditional Leadership And Governance Framework Bill • Communal Land Rights Bill • National Health Bill • Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act 5 Of 2000 • Correctional Service Draft White Paper • Property Rates Bill • Sexual Offences Bill • UIF Amendment Bill • Children’s Bill (Department) • Islamic Marriages Draft Bill (SALRC) • Older Persons Bill (Department)

11. RESEARCH PROJECTS FINALISED IN 2003 • Spatial Development Initiatives (SDI) research on COEGA, Phalaborwa & Richards Bay • Gender Budgeting in 9 Municipalities • Women’s Access to Social Security • Annual Report Card within Municipalities, National & Provincial. • Gender Analysis of Employment Equity • Implementation of the Maintenance Act

12. PROMOTION & PROTECTION OF GENDER EQUALITY • Educational workshops • Public Awareness Campaigns • Media • Exhibitions • Publications • Information requests • Investigate Complaints

13. CHALLENGES • Implementation of the Promotion of Equality & Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act - Monitoring, Investigation & Research • Limited Resources • Outreach • Capacity Building & Skills Development  Unrealistic Time Frames  Environmental factors that impact on the CGE  Gender Based Violence

14. THE COMMISSION ON GENDER EQUALITY THANKS YOU