Affirming Gender Equality: The Challenges Facing the South African Armed Forces

Citation:

Heinecken, Lindy. 2002. “Affirming Gender Equality: The Challenges Facing the South African Armed Forces.” Current Sociology 50 (5): 715–28.

Author: Lindy Heinecken

Abstract:

In the wake of constitutional reforms, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been compelled to implement full gender equality as part of their affirmative action programme to correct past gender and racial imbalances within the ranks. In this article, the challenges this poses for the SANDF are discussed. A theoretical overview of the various feminist positions on women in the armed forces is provided and related to current debates and policy decisions on gender equality in South Africa. This is followed by a discussion of the various factors that have influenced the participation of women in the South African armed forces and the potential impact increasing numbers of women may have on military effectiveness. Recent empirical findings are used to demonstrate how military, societal and cultural factors impact on the attitudes of women, and towards women serving in the SANDF. In conclusion, as women soldiers prepare to make peace rather than war in Africa, some of the challenges they face in a society and on a continent where they themselves have become the subjects of violence, are deliberated.

Topics: Feminisms, Gender, Women, Gender Equality/Inequality, Military Forces & Armed Groups, Militaries Regions: Africa, Southern Africa Countries: South Africa

Year: 2002

© 2024 CONSORTIUM ON GENDER, SECURITY & HUMAN RIGHTSLEGAL STATEMENT All photographs used on this site, and any materials posted on it, are the property of their respective owners, and are used by permission. Photographs: The images used on the site may not be downloaded, used, or reproduced in any way without the permission of the owner of the image. Materials: Visitors to the site are welcome to peruse the materials posted for their own research or for educational purposes. These materials, whether the property of the Consortium or of another, may only be reproduced with the permission of the owner of the material. This website contains copyrighted materials. The Consortium believes that any use of copyrighted material on this site is both permissive and in accordance with the Fair Use doctrine of 17 U.S.C. § 107. If, however, you believe that your intellectual property rights have been violated, please contact the Consortium at info@genderandsecurity.org.