SO CLOSE BUT YET SO FAR: SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN’S CHALLENGES IN A POST-COLONIAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Abstract

This study contributes to the current body of knowledge that suggests, there has been limited progress in decision-making between women and men, which hinders the use of women's skills, suggesting that very little has changed for women. There is an overwhelming amount of literature on gender and decision making, which has led to an increase in sufficient conceptual and theoretical frameworks. However, this study contributes to the rather limited literature on progress in women's decision-making in South Africa’s local government. This qualitative study presents the context of women in leadership positions in local government. Secondly, the study presents the barriers faced by women in leadership positions. Finally, the study critically analyzes and concludes on the challenges that hinder the empowerment of women in leadership positions in South Africa at the grassroots level. The findings of the study suggest that women are lagging in decision-making due to organizational structures attributable to the presence of dominant behaviors in the workplace that can be linked to patriarchy and male dominance which exclude and marginalize women. Furthermore, gender mainstreaming policies are weakly implemented in South Africa’s local government institutions.