Gender Equality in Human Resource Processes within the Department of Correctional Services, South Africa

Abstract

The article discusses the human resource processes of the South African Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and assesses gender equality at all levels of management within the department. The article utilises the Mainstreaming Gender Equality (MGE) approach, known as gender mainstreaming to bring equal opportunities for both men and women in human resource development programmes within the DCS. A qualitative research approach was utilised to collect data. The article explores that there are challenges especially for women to advance their careers to senior management positions in the DCS. This is because of a lack of knowledge, compliance, and readiness to embrace gender transformation policies in the department. The article proposes policy recommendations to mainstream gender at institutional, departmental, and individual levels, and aims to contribute towards creating awareness to promote gender transformation in the public service (general context) and DCS (specific context).