NCJ Number
144700
Date Published
1992
Length
46 pages
Annotation
In most countries, including South Africa, males and females are treated differently in family, school, and work environments, and suggestions to eliminate discrimination against women are offered.
Abstract
Most parents in South Africa raise their daughters to be feminine, dependent on males, passive, and obedient. At school, boys only are encouraged to take subjects such as math and science. In advertising and films, women are shown to be dependent on men. General steps that have been taken in South Africa to eliminate sex discrimination include public education, developing skills, and encouraging nonsexist language. Additional steps that should be taken focus on developing an antisexist culture, affirmative action, and censorship. Economic effects of discrimination against women are examined, and the disadvantageous position of women in family and personal relationships is discussed. Consideration is also given to male violence against women, the disadvantaged role of women in politics, and the importance of adequate health and social services for women. Specific actions are recommended to enhance the position of women in South African society that focus on education and training, the sexual division of labor, employment practices and working conditions, legal changes, developing a movement against gender oppression, and providing appropriate health and welfare services to women. The 1991 Universal Declaration of Women's Rights as Human Rights is included, and useful resources on women's issues are identified.