Background Information

There are a number of global documents, protocols and initiatives that relate to gender equality and the economic upliftment of women to achieve such equality.

These documents include;

• The UN Compact and UN 7 Empowerment Principles.
• Beijing Declaration & Platform of Action 1995.
• CEDAW – Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women 2004.
• Millennium Development Goals. Moving to a regional context we have;
• SADC Gender & Development Declaration
• Addendum to Declaration
• SADC Gender & Development Protocol 2008.
• African Charter on Human & Peoples Rights 1981.

Again, all referring to the economic development of women coupled to gender equality. Moving directly to South Africa, the government is a signature to, or supportive of all of the above protocols and goals.