Which Gender Is More Unemployed In South Africa?

Which gender is more unemployed in South Africa?:

South Africa Gender Unemployment Gap: Men or Women?

South Africa’s unemployment rate remains a serious concern. In 2024, it increased by 1.1 percentage points, marking a 3.43 per cent rise from the previous year. This brought the country’s overall unemployment rate to 33.17 per cent. The increase followed a brief period of improvement, highlighting the ongoing challenges many South Africans face when looking for work.

The unemployment rate reflects the percentage of people in the workforce who are actively seeking employment but are not currently working. It does not include those who are considered economically inactive, such as children under the age of 15, retirees, or people who have given up looking for work. While high unemployment affects both men and women, recent statistics reveal that women are more likely to be unemployed than men in South Africa. This gender gap in unemployment exists across nearly every age and race group, with young women especially affected.

In this article, we look at which gender is more unemployed in South Africa and explore the reasons behind this gap. We also examine how gender roles, access to education, childcare responsibilities, and workplace inequality contribute to the issue. Understanding these factors is key to addressing unemployment in a way that supports equal opportunities for both men and women.

Which Gender Is Affected With Unemployment? 

The unemployment rate measures the percentage of people in the labour force who are without work but are actively looking for employment. The labour force includes both employed individuals and those unemployed but seeking work. In South Africa, unemployment remains a major concern, particularly among young people. During the second quarter of 2023, the unemployment rate for youth aged 15 to 24 climbed to a staggering 60.7 percent, showing how hard it is for young South Africans to access job opportunities.

Women also face greater struggles in the job market compared to men. Since early 2016, the unemployment rate for women has consistently been higher than that of men. By 2023, it reached nearly 36 percent, while the rate for men stood around 30 percent. Women with lower levels of education are especially vulnerable.
Across the world, women are more likely to face long-term unemployment, which makes it harder to re-enter the job market.

This is especially true in South Africa, where the overall unemployment rate is already among the highest globally. Even when women are available and actively searching for work, they often face more challenges than men. These may include limited access to training, fewer job openings, and workplace discrimination. As South Africa continues to deal with high unemployment, the added impact on women highlights the need for targeted support and policy changes to create equal opportunities in the labour market.

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South Africa’s Minimum Wage and Highest-Paying Jobs

South Africa adjusted its national minimum wage on March 1, 2022, increasing the hourly rate to R23.19 (around $1.44). This was a rise from the previous year’s rate of R21.69 per hour (approximately $1.35). The increase aimed to support low-income workers and address rising living costs across the country. In 2021, most employed South Africans worked between 40 and 45 hours per week, showing that full-time work remains the standard for many. While the minimum wage sets a legal floor for earnings, salaries vary greatly depending on the industry, skill level, and role.

Some of the most lucrative jobs in South Africa are found in Executive Management and Change Management. Professionals in these positions earned some of the highest average annual salaries, reaching up to USD 74,000. These roles usually require high levels of expertise, experience, and leadership ability, often involving strategic planning and organisational development.

The contrast between the minimum wage and top-level salaries highlights the country’s wage gap. It also shows the value of advanced qualifications and specialised skills in accessing higher-paying career paths. Continued investment in education and workforce development is key to improving access to better-paying jobs for more South Africans.

Reasons Why Unemployment Affects Women 

These are the reasons why unemployment affects women gender:

• Due to persistent gender presumptions, women are especially impacted by unemployment, which frequently results in unequal payment and fewer prospects for professional growth. These differences may restrict their ability to support themselves and raise their susceptibility to economic shocks.
• Women are typically the primary carers in many households, and when women are unemployed, it can add to their stress and make it difficult for them to balance caring for their families and looking for new jobs,  which negatively affects their well-being.
• It is essential to address gender-specific work hurdles since women’s unemployment can contribute to a cycle of poverty, restricting their children’s access to healthcare and education, and sustaining socioeconomic inequities.

Why Are Women More Affected by Unemployment in South Africa?

Several factors contribute to the higher unemployment rate among women in South Africa:

• Limited access to education and skills development:

Many women, especially in rural areas, do not have the same educational or training opportunities as men, which affects their chances of finding stable employment.

• Workplace discrimination:

Gender bias in hiring, promotion, and salary decisions makes it harder for women to enter and advance in the job market.

• Lack of affordable childcare:

Without reliable and affordable childcare, many women are unable to work or are forced to leave their jobs to care for children.

• Caregiving responsibilities:

Social norms often place the burden of household and family care on women, limiting their time and availability to seek full-time work.

• Safety concerns and gender-based violence:

Women may avoid certain jobs or work environments due to safety issues, and the impact of gender-based violence can disrupt their ability to remain employed or look for work.

Factors to Consider Why Women have to be Employed 

• The employment of women is necessary for economic stability and progress. When women are working, they strengthen the labour force as a whole, boosting productivity and income levels, which assists the economy of the country.
• In the workplace, gender diversity encourages innovation and creativity. When women work in a variety of areas, their distinctive views and abilities can result in more thorough problem-solving and a wider range of ideas, which is advantageous to both businesses and society.
• Employment opportunities for women promote gender equality, empowering women to become financially independent and reducing their vulnerability to economic hardships. This, in turn, fosters a more inclusive and equal society where both men and women can thrive.

What Can Be Done to Reduce Gender Unemployment in South Africa?

Addressing the gender gap in unemployment calls for a combination of practical solutions and long-term strategies. Here are some key steps that can help create more equal job opportunities for women:

• Expand access to education and skills training:

Providing more learning and development opportunities can help women qualify for a wider range of jobs and improve their chances of long-term employment.

• Encourage female participation in male-dominated sectors:

Offering support, mentorship, and incentives can help more women enter industries where they are underrepresented.

• Strengthen labour policies:

Enforcing fair hiring practices, equal pay, and workplace protections ensures that women are treated fairly in all areas of employment.

• Improve childcare and transport options:

Affordable childcare and reliable transport can help more women enter and stay in the workforce, especially in low-income communities.

• Raise awareness about gender equality:

Public education campaigns and workplace training can challenge stereotypes and encourage more inclusive attitudes in hiring and management.

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