Gender equality transformation hearings in the mining sector, where companies will be accounting for the state of gender transformation in their businesses and workplaces, are expected to kick off this week.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) will host the hearings on 31 October 2023 and 01 November 2023 at the commission’s office in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

They are a follow-up to the research study undertaken by the commission in 2017, entitled Bold Claims and Small Gains: Reluctance to promote gender equality in the mining sector in South Africa.

CGE spokesperson Javu Baloyi said despite a plethora of legislative frameworks and the amended Mining Charter, compliance with gender transformation remains a concern for the commission.

“The study, among other things, found that there is a disproportionate representation of gender on corporate boards of Directors, Executive Management and general workforce at most mining companies,” Baloyi said.

Through the transformation hearings, the commission seeks to assess compliance with employment equity legislation and related policies; address institutional and systematic barriers to economic and gender diversity in the workplace on the progress of women and persons with disabilities as well as raise awareness on relevant international commitments to gender transformation and the importance of compliance.

The hearings will start with Samancor Chrome Limited on 31 October, followed by Wesizwe Platinum and AngloGold Ashanti on 01 November 2023.

Source: South African Government News Agency