1. The Directorate: Social Dialogue and Human Rights (Department of the Premier), which is the driving force for gender mainstreaming in the Provincial Government of the Western Cape, has identified three priorities to take human rights equality mainstreaming to the next level. The priorities are
  • to develop a new understanding of mainstreaming,

  • to undertake a complete appraisal of human rights and mainstreaming in all departments to inform future direction and

  • to develop a provincial mainstreaming policy.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) hopes to be a full participant in all levels in this process. It is thus imperative that all our gender focal persons are actively involved in gender issues in 2007.

2. All directors are reminded to submit the names of their gender focal person to Carmelita Lee Shong at email: clees@pgwc.gov.za no later than 2 April 2007.
3. Each directorate/EMDC should have a representative. Enclosed is the Gender Policy, which will guide directors in the nomination of their gender focal person.
4. Directors are reminded that the gender focal persons serve an important role in bringing about a human rights' culture and a culture of mutual respect within the WCED. The gender focal persons also give insight into what each directorate and EMDC is doing to establish a culture of equality within their respective directorates.
5. A culture of mutual respect and acceptance can only be created with the full participation of all WCED staff.


SIGNED: E. KIRSTEN
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2005:03:14

Gender Policy  (size: 33 KB)