The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is making significant strides in promoting gender equity, according to a recent report by the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE).

The report highlights UWC as a standout among South African universities, applauding its strong representation of women in its workforce and its commitment to fostering gender equality.

The CGE report — The State Of Gender Transformation At Tertiary Institutions 2023/2024 — was based, among other things, on questionnaires focusing on various aspects of gender equality in the workplace and learning environment.

These questionnaires were sent to Walter Sisulu University, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, the University of Fort Hare and UWC before hearings were conducted. 

Of UWC’s 2,553 employees, 1,552 are women - a nearly 61% female representation.

The CGE’s report also commended UWC’s Gender Equity Unit (GEU), which is pivotal in driving initiatives to promote equality and support for gender-diverse staff and students.

“Women are in the majority in top and senior management, as well as at academic levels. Women also dominate at the administrative level as compared to men,” the report noted. 

“The Commission commends UWC and recommends that other universities should benchmark with UWC to improve their transformation imperatives at top management.” 

UWC’s GEU has been at the forefront of advocating for gender transformation across the university’s departments.

The unit provides resources, training, and undertakes campaigns to create a more inclusive environment for women and gender minorities.

The report suggests that this focus on equity has contributed to UWC’s ability to meet employment equity targets.

Additionally, the CGE encouraged UWC to implement a payroll system update that includes gender data verification.

This would allow UWC’s Human Resources Department to capture more detailed information on gender diversity within the institution, further enhancing its commitment to inclusivity.

Despite the progress at UWC, systemic barriers remain entrenched in many higher education institutions.

The lack of adequate sexual harassment policies at some universities is particularly concerning, with the CGE urging a review and reinforcement of these policies to better protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

The report highlights that UWC is reviewing several policies, which will be concluded by the end of 2024.

These include:

• Recruitment, selection strategy, and appointment policies
• Sexual harassment policy
• All leave policies
• Gender equity policy
• Rewards strategy and job evaluation system 

“As UWC continues to set an example with its gender equity initiatives, the CGE’s report is a timely reminder that achieving true equality requires a concerted effort from all institutions. The focus must shift towards not only setting policies, but also ensuring their effective implementation, and fostering environments where all individuals, regardless of gender or background, have equal opportunities to thrive,” said Meko Magida, Executive Director of the UWC Human Resources Department.