Challenges on implementing gender equality policy

Abstract

Striving for gender equality in private organisations has become a critical issue that is important to women, organisational leaders, organisations and has gained credence on a national level. Preliminary research indicated that the advancement of women to decision making roles in private organisations remains slow. This led to the exploration of reasons for private organisations challenges in implementing gender equality policies effectively. This research report mainly explored the existing literature on gender equality, the quota system, organisational and leadership roles in promoting gender equality. This research collected data using one-on-one, in-depth, semi-structured interviews from a sample of 18 diverse participants ranging from senior to executive managers across different races and genders from a listed large South African private business. The research found that gender equality policy implementation challenges stem from organisations and leaders not being accountable, responsible and committed to gender equality initiatives. The research also found that organisational and leadership beliefs, practices and behaviours impact the implementation of gender equality policies in organisations. The organisational environment, culture and societal elements were also found to be influential in the implementation of gender equality policies in organisations. Lastly, the gender equality quota system was found to be one of the most currently debated policies, as organisations can be forced to ensure gender balanced management in their organisations in those countries that currently do not use the quota system, such as South Africa. The research was conducted in one large organisation. Therefore, the conclusions drawn from the research may be limited. The findings also revealed that the country s circumstances i.e. history, may influence the implementation of gender equality policies. The purpose of this study was to understand these organisational challenges on gender equality, in order to contribute to the body of knowledge on Gender, Work and Organisation.