The Role of Legislation in Developing and Advancing Women in the South African Workplace

Despite several laws promulgated to mitigate workplace gender inequalities in South Africa, women continue to face challenges in their development and career advance in the workplace. This study aims to examine the role of legislation aimed at promoting gender equality play in the development and career advancement of women. The pluralist world view allowed the researcher to use a mixed research method (ie qualitative and qualitative approach). A total of 412 women in the service industry in Johannesburg, South Africa, were selected through a convenience (non-probability) sampling method. Regression analysis revealed that legislation aimed at promoting gender equality is not statistically linked to the skills development and career advancement of women. Thematic analysis showed that having relevant policies and strong ethical standards can help organisations comply with existing gender laws. However, the lack of implementation of existing policies, coercive compliance and discriminatory practices that exclude certain groups hinder compliance with legislation. This research was limited to women working in the service industry in Johannesburg. Organisations need to go beyond compliance with legal requirements and adopt customised strategies to promote gender equity in the development and advancement of women to top positions. The South African government must examine and review gender-related laws applicable to the workplace to ensure that they fulfil their purpose. This research is original in that it investigates the application of gender-related legislation in the workplace using a mixed-method approach. Future research should consider women in other industries, using a more representative sampling method.