Gender Equity

Question 1

Why should we strive for a culture of gender equity

Answer 1

Research has indicated that gender equality is highly beneficial. According to studies countries that are the most gender equal score highest in the happiness scale and experience an improved quality of life for both men and women

Question 2

What are the benefits of a gender equal company

Answer 2

• happier labour force
• lower job turnover
• lower levels of attrition
• easier recruitment
• greater job satisfaction
• higher rates of productivity
• diversity of views
• flexible working times for parents
• 15% more profitability when 30% or more of the business are women

Question 3

What is feminism mean

Answer 3

The advocacy of women rights on the grounds of equality of the sexes. Feminism is not for women to be exactly the same as men— this is impossible. Rather, it is a movement for women to be given equal rights and opportunities

Question 4

What is a feminist

Answer 4

A person who believed in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes

Question 5

What are gender stereotypes

Answer 5

Generalisations about the roles of each gender

Question 6

At what age do we learn gender roles

Answer 6

From a young age, typically between the ages of three and five when our brain is first able to comprehend gender

Question 7

Who reinforces gender roles

Answer 7

Parents, friends, the media and our broader society.

Question 8

Are gender stereotypes good

Answer 8

Many gender stereotypes are negative. Like girls are weak or that boys are bullies

Question 9

What is the gender gap 

Answer 9

Any gap that exist between men and women regarding their rights, opportunities, status, access, benefits, remuneration or levels of participation.

Question 10

What is gender neutrality

Answer 10

Gender neutrality focuses on the equal treatment of men and women and the avoidance of any form of discrimination. To achieve this, this perspective aims to transcend gender discussions all together and rather focus on our rights as human beings.

Question 11

What is intersectionality

Answer 11

It refers to the interconnected nature of social categorisations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. Different forms of discrimination tend to be linked and to affect one another.

Question 12

What is privilege

Answer 12

An advantage or special benefit that a person or group experience

Question 13

What is empowerment

Answer 13

Increasing personal, political, social or economic strength of individuals and communities. When people are empowered they have control over their own lives and the decisions they make

Question 14

What is gender sensitivity

Answer 14

Gender sensitive people and systems recognise and acknowledge that there are gender inequalities that exist and that things need to change

Question 15

What is the difference between sex and gender

Answer 15

Sex is what we are categorised according to when we are born. It is on the basis of our physiological characteristics. (Eg females have XY chromosomes and men have XX chromosomes. Men have higher muscle mass and women carry higher fat levels)

Gender refers to the socially constructed characteristics of men and women. Traditionally gender has only been either masculine or feminine, however today many people also make use of a gender continuum that accounts for people who express themselves differently

Question 16

What helps us ensure that we are not prejudiced against others on the basis of gender in South Africa

Answer 16

The South African bill of rights

Question 17

What does the South African bill of rights state about gender equality

Answer 17

No persons may discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief , culture, language and birth

Question 18

What is the difference between gender norms and gender stereotypes

Answer 18

Gender norms are ideas or implicit rules that society of cultures have about how men or women should behave. Gender stereotypes are preconceived ideas about the characteristics and roles to which males and females are expected to adhere

Question 19

What is the difference gender equality and gender equity

Answer 19

Gender equality is the state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender. Men and women are given equal opportunities to excel.

While gender equity acknowledges that mean and women have different needs and as a result focuses on equal outcomes and opposed to equal process

Question 20

What are some femininity myths

Answer 20

Women are better at multitasking, women are not as competitive as men, women are more intuitive, women are more talkative, women cannot play sport, women cannot do maths

Question 21

Who is thando hopa

Answer 21

She is role model who has broken the stigma of what a cover girl should be and has not let her differences prevent her from achieving great things, she was the first female with albinism to make it in the cover of vogue magazine. She is a successful lawyer and an activist for albinism, diversity and inclusivity

Question 22

What are the three main myths about men

Answer 22

athletic ability, sexual conquest, economic success,

Question 23

What is bro code

Answer 23

An unwritten rule book that expects men to be tough, independent and in control, and to use violence to solve problems

Question 24

What is positive masculinity

Answer 24

Emphasising men’s strengths and virtue and then building upon these strengths.

Question 25

What are the 8 steps to developing healthy masculinity

Answer 25

1. Find a mentor
2. Write down your goals
3. Learn to name and express how you feel
4. Respect your body and those of others
5. Gain an understanding of consent and respect
6. Build on your strengths
7. Start to work on your definitions of masculinity
8. Discuss stereotypes and their impact