Enhancing Skills Development for Women: A Developmental Approach to Promoting Inclusivity in Municipalities

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of skills development programs aimed at improving gender inclusion in municipal leadership positions in South Africa. The study particularly focused on identifying best practices and challenges associated with these programs to promote women's representation and empowerment in local government sectors.

Design/Method/Approach: A qualitative research methodology was used, adopting an interpretive paradigm. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with managers and key stakeholders in a selected community in the Eastern Cape. Thematic analysis, as described by Braun & Clarke, was used to analyse the data and derive insights.

Findings: The findings revealed no tailored programs explicitly designed to capacitate and empower women for management roles in the municipality. This gap in specialised programs hinders the progress of women aspiring to take on leadership positions. Moreover, the study identified several challenges, including a lack of dedicated resources and insufficient support structures for women in municipal management.

Theoretical Implications: The study challenges existing theories on gender integration in public sector management by highlighting the need for more specific and targeted programs to address gender disparities. It also contributes to the broader theory of gender empowerment by suggesting that without institutional support for women in leadership positions, the broader goals of gender equity may remain unachieved.

Practical Implications: Management and policy development practitioners can learn from the study results to design more effective skills development programs that focus on gender inclusion. The results suggest that municipalities should implement gender-sensitive strategies that specifically address women's professional development needs in leadership positions.

Originality/Value: This paper is original as it focuses on gender integration in local government in South Africa, a topic that has not been thoroughly examined in the context of local government. The study's findings are important because they provide valuable insights into how municipalities can better support the advancement of women in management, a crucial aspect of achieving broader gender equality goals in South Africa.

Research Limitations/Future Research: The results of the study may differ in municipalities with more established gender-inclusive practices or in regions with different sociopolitical dynamics. Future research could examine the impact of specific gender-specific programs on women's career advancement in local government and extend the study to include quantitative data or comparisons with other regions in South Africa.