Since the first democratic elections in 1994, women representation in Parliament has soared, owing partly to the ruling party's 50/50 principle at national and provincial spheres of government. After the 2009 elections, women’s representation in cabinet increased from 34 percent to 43 percent, a nine percent increase, and the country saw the accession of five women to the positions of premier in the country's nine provinces.
However, women continue to struggle to make headway in political circles since many are still buried far down in the political hierarchy of most political parties due to the daunting conservatism of the South African political culture and its political institutions.
For more information, please visit: IPS
Since the first democratic elections in 1994, women representation in Parliament has soared, owing partly to the ruling party's 50/50 principle at national and provincial spheres of government. After the 2009 elections, women’s representation in cabinet increased from 34 percent to 43 percent, a nine percent increase, and the country saw the accession of five women to the positions of premier in the country's nine provinces.
However, women continue to struggle to make headway in political circles since many are still buried far down in the political hierarchy of most political parties due to the daunting conservatism of the South African political culture and its political institutions.
For more information, please visit: IPS