The perceptions of students on gender equality

Abstract

The study is about the perceptions of University of Venda students regarding gender equality. South Africa has made significant strides in relation to gender mainstreaming. In addition to the constitution, there are many policies that have been developed and adopted to ensure fair and equal treatment of women. However, all these efforts may not bear fruit if students remain ignorant of the meaning of gender equality. The study was conducted in order to establish University of Venda students’ perceptions of gender equality. A qualitative approach was adapted in this study. Non-probability sampling was used to choose the participants using convenience sampling. The sample comprised of 10 students, male and female from the first to the final level of study. Focus group was used as a method for collecting data and the semi structured interviews were used to collect data from a focus group. Data were analysed thematically. The research findings revealed that most students understand gender equality although they are not practicing it as reflected by the responses they gave during the interviews. The researcher recommends that the university should raise awareness of all opportunities available for first entering female students and encourage them to participate in order to demonstrate equity among students. It is also important to sustain awareness campaigns and to hold dialogues about gender equality.

Keywords: Gender Equality, Gender Equity, Women Empowerment, Gender Mainstreaming, Gender Reform Feminism, Gender Resistant Feminism