Re-defining gender equality in the formal mining industry. a case of select categories of women in South Africa
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
The mining industry has been one of the major contributors to the economic development of many developing countries. It employs and creates business for both skilled and unskilled people and has great potential for developing mine-hosting communities. The industry also has potential to contribute towards development programs, designed through Social and Labour Plans. Mining can improve lives. However, due to the masculine nature and culture of the industry, women have long been excluded from participation and, in many jurisdictions, it has required the law to correct this inequality. In South Africa, despite a plethora of laws to
incorporate women in the industry, the majority of women remain excluded from recognition and participation, thus reflecting different meanings and understandings of the concept of equality from a more formal idea to a more substantive notion of equality. This study investigates the role and potential of the law in advancing substantive gender equality in the South African large-scale mining industry. Its focus is on three groups of women: those in ownership and control of mining related businesses, employees and women resident in mine hosting communities. A qualitative mixed methods approach (documentary interpretation,
interviews and focus group discussions) was used to investigate the problem and collect data. The findings showed that, while the law plays a huge normative role in advancing equality, in practice this has often been limited to formal and, sometimes, inclusive interpretations of equality. Overall, the law is unable to cure barriers such as patriarchal and socio-cultural limitations experienced by women in the industry. Consequently, alternative solutions that seek to advance a more transformative substantive equality, drawing on women’s practical experiences, are recommended.
Description
A research report submitted In fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Law at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2024
Keywords
Gender equality, Women, Formal mining industry, South Africa, UCTD
Citation
Mudimba, P. Chipo. (2024). Re-defining gender equality in the formal mining industry. a case of select categories of women in South Africa [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg].WireDSpace.https://hdl.handle.net/10539/43556