Question NW713 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
22 April 2022 - NW713
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
In light of the fact that 8 March is the day for the celebration of International Women’s Day, what (a) is the total breakdown of female staff members in her department and (b)(i) is the total number of female ambassadors currently representing South Africa across the globe and (ii) does this number represent as a percentage of the total number of ambassadors; (2) Whether there are any current programmes focussed on promoting equality in the workplace; if not, why not; if so, what are the further, relevant details? NW852E
Reply:
1 (a) The Department has a total number of 1978 staff members, and 1123 are women. The number of 1123 female staff members represent 56% of the staff in the Department.
(b) (i) & (ii) There are 39 female Ambassadors in total representing South Africa across the globe. In terms of percentage, the 39 female Ambassadors represent 34% of the total number of Heads of Mission (Ambassadors). South Africa has a total number of 115 Missions, and 91 Heads of Mission posts are filled. The process of filling the vacant posts of Heads of Mission is currently underway. The nominated Heads of Mission designates are in training. The nominations will assist in improving the representation of women.
2. Yes, the Department has a Gender Policy, appropriate guidelines and the institutional framework for gender equality and women empowerment trajectory. Through this policy we are required to:
a) Create an enabling policy environment translate commitments into concrete action;
b) Ensure that gender consideration are effectively integrated into all aspects of departmental policies, activities and programmes; and,
c) Establish an appropriate institutional framework and mechanism for the advancement of gender equality. It also includes the integration of Gender perspectives on the programmes offers by our diplomatic Academy. Guided, by the principles of Employment Equity (Act, No. 55 of 1998) the department strive to achieve equity in the workplace by promoting equal opportunities and fair treatment through elimination of unfair discrimination.