The implementation of gender equality policies in achieving millennium development goal three in the Sedibeng district municipality

01 July 2016

Globally, the achievement of Millennium Development goal1 3 is slow, as is evidenced by surveys conducted by some of the reputable international organisations, such as the Global Employment Trends, (2009) and the Global Employment Trends for Women, (2009) (both conducted by the International Labour Organisation), the Mastercard Worldwide Index on Women’s Advancement, (2009), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, (2011). The surveys explore the reality that gender equality in the labour market is still low and remain unchanged due to the fact that women are not receiving the required employment opportunities, are under-represented in the working place and are not considered for strategic portfolios. The outcomes of these surveys are supported by academic such scholars, as Meintjies (2005); Parker (2009); Tsuari (2010); Penceliah (2011); Zukang (2012); and KiMoon (2012) whose studies emphasise the discrimination of women in the labour market. The paper aims to focus on the Millennium Development Goal 3 due to the fact that gender equality and the empowerment of women is at the heart of this initiative, as stated in the Millennium Development Goals Report of 2010, in which it is reported that this objective is not yet fully realised. There is a need to investigate the essence of gender equality (in favour of the female aspect of gender) demanding appropriate recognition and opportunities for empowerment in a country-specific milieu. The previous researches conducted by Mathye (2002); Tsuari (2010); Penceliah (2011); Sithole et al. (2012) explore the findings emphasising that the municipal employment practices are not done in favour of women in the society as there are still some municipalities that do not invest in offering training programmes for gender balancing their working environment; while and the professional and managerial roles are not extended to women. The paper examines the role South Africa is playing in achieving the Millennium Declaration, by focusing on Goal 3 that encourages gender equality and women empowerment. The paper assesses the level of beneficiation at the Sedibeng District Municipality as its focus area