Rehana Rossouw
DRAFT legislation spelling out the powers of the Gender Equity Commission has been prepared by the Department of Justice, giving the body the same teeth as the Human Rights Commission to perform its tasks of ensuring gender equity in Parliament and society.
The Parliamentary Commission on Gender Equity met on Wednesday to grapple with the scope of its functions and powers. The commission, chaired by African National Congress (ANC) MP Ruth Mompati, was established by women parliamentarians who were concerned about the advancement of women.
National Party MP Shelia Camerer said a Commission on Gender Equity would be more effective than a Womens’ Ministry as these had failed dismally across sub- Sarahan Africa.
A commission could be given power to introduce legislation and vet legislation from other ministries for gender sensitivity, she said.
Dr Ellen Kornegay, of the Womens’ Development Foundation, who gave evidence before the commission, said what was needed was a dynamic and interactive relationship between national, provincial and local governments, and access to non-governmental organisations on women’s issues.
“Participation should not be limited to parliamentarians alone. We need to monitor gender compliance in both the public and private sector. The commission could then report annually to Parliament and society on the advancement of women.”
Mompati said the Ministry of Justice had promised that draft legislation on the commission would be completed within the next week and would serve as a working
She said that while the commission would have to consult widely on the draft Bill, it should be mindful that the deadline was approaching for the draft legislation to be submitted to the Cabinet so that it can be dealt with in Parliament this year.