This is no small matter
WE ARE halfway into the month dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements and the vital role that women of all races and creeds have played and continue to play in our society. August is also a time to spread awareness about the problems and difficulties that women have faced in the struggle to be free.
This month we have been reminded of this – the August 1 march on the Union Buildings by women under the #TotalShutdown banner is one example.
There is no gainsaying that our society is still shamelessly patriarchal, and that there’s still a long way to go before women can be truly free. And there are still enormous stumbling blocks, with many males seemingly heedless to messages to treat women with respect.
Two ministers recently unveiled statistics which underscore the gravity of the challenges that women face, and how deep the sore has festered. The information was in the form of written responses by Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba and Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi to parliamentary questions from the EFF parliamentarians.
They provided stats relating to sexual harassment in several government departments. They reported that about 100 sexual harassment cases were reported in the public service in the last two years, with dozens of officials being axed, while several others quit before disciplinary hearings were instituted.
For instances, 14 cases of sexual harassment were reported in the Correctional Services Department, including the matter in which an employee sent a nude picture to the East London area commissioner by cellphone. Environmental Affairs reported four cases, while the Transport Department reported 15 cases at Acsa, Air Traffic and Navigation Services, the Road Accident Fund, Sanral and Prasa. In Finance, 15 cases were reported, while Higher Education and Training reported seven cases. Science and Technology had four incidents.
These are not the only cases, and are only in the public service. No doubt there are thousands upon thousands in the private sector. The need for respect for women has never been greater.
Sexual harassment is no small matter. It must be confronted with the same firmness and vigour as physical abuse.