Encounters of women in physically demanding jobs within Rustenburg

Abstract

The South African government through the 2004 mining charter stated that all mining companies must be transformed and empowered such that 15% black ownership is realised by 2009 and a final target of 26% black ownership by 2014. The target was not achieved, reaching only 9% in 2009, this trend was observed in the proportions of women representation in physically demandingjobs. The research methodology employed was that of a quantitative nature, a survey questionnaire was utilized in gathering the research data from respondents; research tool used was a questionnaire using a Likert- 5 type rating scale in order to accomplish the research objectives.

The basis of the research was centred on women development, contribution women make within the businesses, women's specific needs, programmes addressing the skills gap between men and women, and leadership care for women's career progression. The study objectives were to among other things establish if the current network structures and sex-specific reward systems kept women in subordinate professional positions, and how key technical competences previously constructed as masculine can include women from new professions emerging from technological innovation.

Findings briefly showed male employees as the ones who were more favoured to being promoted into executive positions; stereotypes still exist regarding women's capabilities, with unconscious bias being reflected. Inherent cultural practises also compelled discrimination towards certain gender roles, thus subtle manifestation of prejudicial bias with undeserved effects on women employees working in the physically demandingjobs.

Conclusions and recommendations showed that women form the most essential component of the work force in South Africa. To attain best results on the success and sustainability of the economy, the society, and the industries at large; a renewed commitment by all stakeholders on the development and nurturing of women in the jobs that require physical strength was found to be imperative. Measures to promote co-existence between men and women, improved ergonomics to meet women's physiological basic needs, together with recognition and award systems need to be implemented, consequently improving numbers and retention of women in physically demanding jobs.