The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) hereinafter referred to as ‘the Commission’, is an independent statutory body established under Chapter 9 of the Constitution. Its mandate is to promote respect for and to protect gender equality in all spheres of society.
The Commission’s quest is to transform society by exposing gender discrimination in laws, policies and practices. As well as advocating for change in sexist attitude and gender stereotyping, so as to instil respect for women’s rights as human rights. In addition, the CGE Act 39 of 1996 affords the Commission a legal mandate to investigate, monitor, research, educate, advice and to report on issues of equality. Similarly, the Commission is empowered to subpoena, and to litigate against private and public entities where necessary.
In terms of our research findings it unmistakable that the pace of transformation in our society is wholly slow in some areas. For example, we investigated a complaint about discrimination in football in South Africa. Our investigation revealed that South African Football Association (SAFA) has not done enough to promote women’s football, but has instead focused on male football. We wish to state that failure to promote football for women undermine the right to equality between men and women; a right that is entrenched in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
Accordingly, the CGE intends to invite SAFA to a public hearing to give an account of gender transformation in football. The hearing will serve as a platform to determine both the kind of challenges that beset SAFA and measures that may be put in place to address them in line with the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000.
The Commission for Gender Equality therefore hereby invites you to attend the public hearing scheduled as follows:
Date: Thursday, 5 April 2012
Venue: Constitution Hill, Braamfontein
Contact:
Malebo Boikanyo
Cell: 083 525 6893
Email: malebo@cge.org.za or mboikanyo7@gmail.com
