Special Assignment Broadcast: Gender Agenda

Special Assignment Broadcast: 08 September 2009 – ‘Gender Agenda’

It’s been 13 years since the national women’s movement lobbied for one of the most progressive efforts to entrench gender equality in all spheres of South African society.

In line with the spirit of our constitution of respecting and protecting human rights, as well as international human rights conventions, the government established the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE)

This along with other human rights bodies called the Chapter nine institutions - to safeguard these rights.

But just how effective, and relevant is the CGE?

After all the fanfare during women’s month, we ask: is the organization worth the millions in taxpayer’s money it receives annually?

Since its inception, the CGE has been dogged by allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The organization stands accused of wasteful expenditure on items like ‘workshops’ and consultants – whilst its mandate, to investigate complaints of gender discrimination, goes unfulfilled.

Aside from issuing press releases, and hosting workshops, gender activists complain that the CGE does little to advance the cause.

Special Assignment speaks to poor women in South Africa, also taxpayers, and ask them whether they – and the state, are getting value for their money in sustaining this institution? We also interview former CGE commissioners, who give their perspective on why the CGE is failing in its duties. The programme also looks at the so-called “Asmal Commission” chaired by Professor Kader Asmal, which made recommendations as to the future of the Chapter Nine institutions – the proposals from which, have to date not been implemented.

“Gender Agenda” was produced by Busisiwe Ntuli and Melini Moses

For further information or interviews contact:
Busisiwe Ntuli 011 – 714-6451
Khadija Bradlow (Story Editor) 011 – 714-6758

Or email: truth@sabc.co.za