Women in their full diversity? Provincial government responses to socio-economic exclusion of lesbian, bisexual and transgender women in Gauteng

abstract

In the past, women’s participation in the labour force was largely limited to their domestic roles. Along with changes in gender norms, post-apartheid employment equity legislation and attempts to ‘mainstream’ gender in State and private sector spheres contributed to significant growth in women’s employment. Still, more than two decades after apartheid, new areas of employment for women continue to be in occupations traditionally associated with ‘women’s work’ (e.g. domestic work). This kind of work tends to have low status, low pay and few opportunities for advancement. Particularly, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LBT) women face barriers in accessing and completing education, and when employed experience pervasive workplace discrimination and harassment, including sexual violence. Consequently, black LBT women find themselves at the intersection of racist, classist and heterosexist discrimination. In this open forum we report on a situational analysis of government responses to socio-economic exclusion of LBT women in Gauteng. We explore the extent to which South African policy and programming respond to socio-economic exclusion of LBT women, and specific objectives include: (i) to review national policy strategies towards addressing socio-economic exclusion of LBT women; and (ii) to review how national policy filters down (or not) into provincial responses, through reviewing provincial policy and programming concerned with socio-economic exclusion of LBT women.

Keywords:

• gender
• sexuality
• poverty
• unemployment
• discrimination

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nazeema Isaacs

NAZEEMA ISAACS is a junior researcher at the Human Sciences Research Council, in the Human and Social Development unit. Here she works on several projects that focus on social cohesion, inclusivity of individuals who have been exposed to violence within a school setting, gender-based violence, and experiences of persons who identify as LGBTI. She recently graduated with her Master’s in Research Psychology from the University of the Western Cape. She did a systematic review, and her topic focused on women’s emotional and psychological experiences of medically complicated pregnancies. Some of her research interests include gender-based violence, sexuality, violence, gender, and intersectionality. Email: [email protected]

Ingrid Lynch

INGRID LYNCH is a Senior Research Specialist in the Human and Social Development (HSD) programme at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). Her research focuses on sexual and gender diversity, queer family-making and social belonging, and sexual and reproductive justice. Prior to joining the HSRC she worked as research, advocacy and policy manager at the Triangle Project—an NGO concerned with the rights and wellbeing of LGBTI persons. She is editor of the book Queer kinship: Perspectives on sexualities, families, and reproduction in South Africa, along with Tracy Morison and Vasu Reddy. Email: [email protected]

Celiwe Shabangu

CELIWE SHABANGU is currently enrolled for her Master’s in Research Psychology (Consultation) with the University of South Africa. Her thesis focuses on student experiences of the student protests and how students cope (psychologically) after the protest has ceased. She attained her BA, majoring in Psychology and Criminology, and her BA Hons, majoring in Psychology, from the University of Limpopo. Her research interests are centred on social change, empowerment, community development, and student protests. Email: [email protected]

Finn Reygan

FINN REYGAN is a chief research specialist in the Human Sciences Research Council’s Human and Social Development research programme. Email: [email protected]

Mudzunga Neluheni

MUDZUNGA NELUHENI is a junior researcher at the Human Sciences Research Council, in the Human and Social Development unit, where she works on multidisciplinary research aimed at sustainable development. She completed all requirements for her Master of Science qualification in Development Planning at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her thesis topic was on injustices resulting from urban regeneration initiatives in Johannesburg inner city – an analysis of gentrification and displacement. Some of her many research interests include sociospatial transformation and resilience, gender-oriented urban planning, social justice and education. Email: [email protected]