According to the QLFS, released by Statistics SA, of the 20 million women between the ages of 15 and 64, 36,8% are unemployed. That is an increase of 12% from the same quarter last year compared to 10,3% under men. The unemployment rate for men stands at 32,4%.
“As a union which prioritises equality, prosperity and dignity for our members, these statistics are disheartening,” says Adv Ben van der Walt, the general secretary of SAPTU (South African Parastatal and Tertiary Institutions Union). “We had hoped that all the efforts made to better the workplace conditions and situation for women would have improved their lives. But when almost 37% of this group is unemployed, prosperity and dignity fly out the window.”
No career path or remuneration package should be gender-linked. SAPTU believes that empowering and supporting girls and boys equally from a young age will create significant strides in securing employment later on in life.
“But, we should be intent on not only give lip service to this focus,” says Adv Van der Walt. “The focus on creating equal opportunities for both genders should be practical and yield actual results. It is not acceptable to see the unemployment rate for women increase by more than 10% in 13 years.”
Issued by: SAPTU
Date: 25 August 2021
Enquiries: Adv Ben van der Walt, General Secretary SAPTU Cell.: 083 260 8548