Towards establishing Gender Equity at the Durban University of Technology.

by Shirlene Neerputh - Masters (B.BibL) UKZN

Abstract

The Gender Forum (GF) was formed in an attempt to instill fresh impulses into mainstreaming gender equity at the Durban University of Technology. The Forum was established in 1985 at the former M.L Sultan Technikon. M L Sultan Technikon and Natal Technikon merged to form the Durban Institute of Technology (DIT) which changed status to become the Durban University of Technology in 2006. This paper provides a critical outlook of the role of the Gender Forum at the Durban University of Technology against the backdrop of the South African Legislation on Gender Equity. How has the broadened scope of Gender Equity issue been translated at DUT? Priority areas for GE intervention will be discussed in alignment with the institution’s strategic plans and goals. The institutional priority areas for Gender Equity intervention are: Representivity of Gender Equity in strategic decision-making structures in DUT; Decision-making and policy; Support and development; and Communication. This paper will further highlight the challenges facing the Forum within the tertiary sector such as: lack of support and commitment of management and male staff, mindsets of staff members, lack of a Gender Equity Policy. Successes of the Gender Forum will be highlighted and discussed.

Keywords: Gender Equity - Tertiary Institutions; Gender Forum - Durban Institute of Technology.