Transformation in the South African National Defence Force : with specific reference to gender equality

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Transformation is an inevitable consequence of human resource practices andincludes the political imperatives, behavioural transformation and theturnaround change. Gender equality is a critical component of the UnitedNations Resolution on Human Rights (Resolution 1325). Women are subjectedto a variety of barriers that determine their organisational experiences, andtherefore the achievement of gender equity requires the elimination ofpatriarchal practices, stereotypes and attitudes that perpetuate theirmarginalisation. Striving for gender equity within the armed forces should notreduce women to being passive victims of the transformation agenda as theyoperate both during conflict and peace-time.The representation and empowerment of women into decision-makingstructures and the protection of their rights can be spearheaded through thegender mainstreaming strategies. In the South African National Defence Force(SANDF) transformation placed greater emphasis on racial representivity to theneglect of gender equity. This situation has effectively contributed to thegender dialogue which aimed to assess the implementation of gender equityobjectives. Furthermore, it is the guiding principle on the participation ofwomen in the military to enhance gender representation and the attainment ofself-actualisation and excelling in their areas of responsibilities.The purpose of the study was to explore the extent to which the SANDFsupports gender transformation imperatives to ensure gender equity and itfurther investigated gender integration within the SANDF as a supportivetheoretical analysis. The conceptual framework of gender transformation andgender mainstreaming in the military, and in particular within the SANDF, in thecontext of Employment Equity was conducted. To make an objective and informed assessment, the attitudes and perceptionsof middle management and lower management of both the SANDF weremeasured. Data were collected from respondents through three sessions offacilitated focus group interviews and a semi-structured self-administeredquestionnaire. The sample was drawn from the Pretoria region.The findings of the study indicated that the DOD top leadership is supportive ofgender transformation by the effective promulgation of transformation policiesand the improvement in the representation of women in decision-makingstructures. The military environment is trying to create a conduciveenvironment for women by providing resources, the essential training forwomen to maximise their potential, and furthermore by allowing their inclusionin all areas including deployment areas.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University