The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has called on the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to provide a clear account of progress made on its previous commitments to advancing gender equality and transformation in the workplace.
The Commission said the Department of Water and Sanitation had undertaken, during prior hearings, to implement specific measures aimed at mainstreaming gender within its programmes and addressing persistent gender and transformation gaps that disproportionately affect women and girls, particularly in the workplace and in access to services.
These commitments followed the Commission’s findings and recommendations and included promoting gender-responsive policies, implementing training, developing women for senior leadership roles, and advocating sector-wide standards, including on harassment management.
“Critical to this is sexual harassment. These commitments stem from CGE’s findings and recommendations, which will help transform the workplace, if implemented,” CGE spokesperson Javu Baloyi said.
The Commission held an accountability session with the department on Monday to:
• Engage with DWS leadership at national and provincial levels on current compliance status with CGE recommendations.
• Assess the progress made in policy review, implementation, and employee protection mechanisms.
• Advocate for systemic reforms, including the establishment of sector-wide standards for harassment complaint management.
• Promote a gender-responsive, inclusive and safe public service work environment.
• Interrogate a specific case reported in the Western Cape, with a view to establishing accountability and redress. – SAnews.gov.za
