4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

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    The impact of pregnancy on women in the ferrochrome industry in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Moropa, Thabiso Sekia; Appiah, Erasmus Kofi
    This thesis presents a comprehensive exploration of the ramifications of pregnancy on women employed within South Africa's ferrochrome industry. Drawing on a meticulous review of literature, including studies by notable researchers such as Dr. Nobuhle, Solomons, Dikgwatlhe and Mulenga, the research delves into the multifaceted challenges faced by women in this sector. The study illuminates the nuanced impact of pregnancy on the career trajectories of women within the ferrochrome industry. Synthesising literature insights with participants' perspectives, the research underscores recurring barriers such as limited access, safety concerns, and entrenched gender-based discrimination, both in academic discourse and on the ground. Employing a qualitative approach, the thesis critically evaluates company policies governing pregnancy and their alignment with fundamental employment conditions. Through one-on-one interviews and data analysis, the research unearths discrepancies between articulated policies and their actual implementation, highlighting persistent gaps that adversely affect the well- being of pregnant employees within ferrochrome mining companies. Furthermore, the study explores workplace safety, accommodation, and the financial implications entailed by pregnancy in the ferrochrome industry. By correlating literature insights with participant narratives, the research emphasises the challenges faced by pregnant women and advocates for strategic improvements to create a safer and more supportive work environment. Findings: The qualitative methodology reveals that pregnant woman in the ferrochrome industry encounter challenges in career advancement, face role constraints, and struggle with work-life balance. Participants emphasise the need for improved policies and support from both companies and colleagues. Issues such as physical strain in hazardous areas, emotional stress, and financial impact of extended maternity leave are prevalent. Suggestions range from flexible work arrangements to awareness programs, advocating for better policies and empathetic workplaces. Ultimately, the participants urge for a culture shift, ensuring fair treatment and empowerment for pregnant women in the mining industry. In conclusion, this thesis propels discussions on the strategic imperative of nurturing a social license within South Africa's ferrochrome industry. It examines how companies can empower women through policy reforms, fostering an environment conducive to gender equality, inclusivity, and community engagement. The findings contribute to a robust understanding of the impact of pregnancy on various facets of the ferrochrome mining industry, offering meaningful conclusions and recommendations for a more equitable landscape within the sector
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    The role of digitalisation on gender parity in a South African Bank
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Magagula, Nonhlanhla; Magida, Ayanda
    In this study, the role of digitalisation and how the bank has responded to it in terms of gender parity are explored. It explores how digitalisation has bridged or perpetuated gender parity in the technology roles in the bank. The study also looks at the extent of gender parity in the bank and how the gender parity rate has changed over the past years, and what might have influenced it given the rate of digitalisation in the industry. The study followed a generic qualitative research approach in which 12 participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview via the Microsoft Teams (MS) tool. The data collected was analysed using theoretical analysis type of thematic analysis. Six themes emerged, the extent of Gender parity in the bank, Jobs affected by Digitisation in the last five years, The future of women in technology and managers perception, Change in women-to-men ratios in banking, Women’s views about opportunities in technology roles and lastly, School subject choices for boys and girls and their role in gender parity. The study reveals that most women ‘s roles were impacted largely due to them being in admin-related roles. The study further showed that new roles were created, even though not to the same extent as those lost; however not enough women were given opportunities to fill up those roles, and thus the impact was again on women. The study found that the barriers that digitalisation has removed regarding jobs favouring men again did not seem to be taken as an advantage by the bank to bring in more women. Lastly the study points to the strong presence of stereotypes still believing that IT-related roles belong to men than women which has resulted in some resistance from male managers who still have hiring powers and thus making the change in numbers still very low compared to the opportunities being presented by digitalisation.