PROMOTE GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWER WOMEN
Women have more access to employment now than ever before. But they still earn one-third less than men. In 2008, women held 18% of parliamentary seats worldwide.
Summary of Country report
At primary school level the Gender Parity Index (GPI) has remained consistently close to one from 1999 to 2006. This suggests that more boys than girls are enrolled at this level of the education system. At secondary school level, the picture is reversed. More girls than boys are enrolled at this level. Throughout the years from 1999 to 2006, the GPI is skewed in favour of girls. At the tertiary level, gender distribution in respect of enrolment is also skewed in favour of female students.
When it comes to the participation of women and empowerment, progress is also noted. About a third of Members of Parliament are women; SA also prides itself with having a Cabinet with 43% of its members being women; five of the nine provinces are led by women Premiers. At local government level, 40% of Councillors are women. Three of the country’s six metros are led by women Mayors.
Targets and indicators
Target 3.A: Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education, preferably by 2005, and in all levels of education no later than 2015
- 3.1 Ratios of girls to boys in primary, secondary and tertiary education
- 3.2 Ratio of literate females to males 15-24 years old
- 3.3 Share of women in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector
- 3.4 Proportion of seats held by women in national parliament
2011-03 March eBULLETIN vol12.pdf