An assessment of the effectiveness of EEA policy in managing gender diversity at the workplace in South Africa, using Cederberg municipality as a case study

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of EEA policy as a tool to manage gender diversity at the workplace. The research was based on a case study using Cederberg Municipality that is located in Western Cape Province in South Africa. The primary data was sourced from employees of the municipality using questionnaire, individual interviews and focus group discursions. The study showed that EEA policy was not so effective in achieving its intended objectives of emancipating working women from all forms of discrimination such as training and developmental programs, promotions and below par remuneration at the workplace . . The study further established that in order to improve effectiveness of the EEA policy as an instrument to manage gender diversity at work, Government official as the custodians of the project need to ensure that all the processes such as planning for the project, provision of adequate training to employees, implementation and monitoring of the project are key to success. Organizations on the other hand, were identified as an impediment to the successful implementation of the project (EEA policy implementation at work). Managers were advised to familiarize themselves with the policy and its objectives, prepare their staff mentally for the smooth flow of the project and after implementation assist in monitoring the project consistently.