Report on Delivery to Women

2. ARTS and CULTURE

   Internal Achievements

   • The Department has an official policy on acceleration of equality between men and women
   • The Deputy Minister is a woman
   • Achievements For South African Women
   • Policies and Legislation
   • Both the Arts and Culture, as well as the Science and Technology Policies are gender sensitive, but, there is no gender specific legislation emanating from the policies of the Department

   Programmes and Activities

   • Programmes are designed in accordance with the policies of Arts and Culture as well as Science and Technology. The Deputy Minister provides political leadership in all gender related programmes
   • The Department supports Arts and Culture programmes initiated by women or benefiting women. Rural women and poor women in urban areas are a special focus group.
   • With regard to Science and Technology, all major projects have a gender focus and are therefore designed to ensure that the outcome of such projects address gender related problems. Accordingly, the National Research and Technology Audit which focussed on human resources in science, and technology highlighted the need for increasing access of women to science and technology.
   • The review of science, technology and engineering institutions underscored the need for increased pace in the transformation of Science Councils. A co-ordinated approach in human resource development that includes the participation and advancement of women in science and technology was recommended.
   • To initiate discussions and set up programmes for women in Science and Technology, the Department held a national conference on A Women in Science and Technology in August 1998.

   Budget Allocations

   • The Department funds a number of women’s art projects,including:
     • a course for domestic workers in crafts production,
     • a women’s cultural festival in Alexandria,
     • a rural woman’s arts festival
     • study bursaries for women
     • the legacy project (to reclaim the role that women have played in South African culture and history)
     • the Culture and Economic Development strategy.