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Title The implementation of gender mainstreaming in a correctional service facility: A case of Elizabeth Nepemba correctional facility in Kavango west region
Full text http://hdl.handle.net/11070/3224
Date 2021
Author(s) Naluno, Maria
Abstract A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Gender and Development Studies) - This study primarily aimed at investigating the implementation of gender mainstreaming in the Namibian Correctional Service, specifically Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility in Kavango West Region. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to explore the progress made in the application of gender mainstreaming practices; to examine the progress made in the application of gender mainstreaming and to identify the challenges associated with the application of gender mainstreaming in the Namibian Correctional Service. The study employed a qualitative research design and a case study method. The population of the study consisted of development planners and correctional officers. The study sample was made up of 17 participants, 2 development planners from the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, 13 correctional officers from Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility as well as 2 correctional officers from the Namibian Correctional Service Headquarters. Primary data was gathered using an interview guide through face-to-face interviews and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. This study found that, while the policy framework for gender mainstreaming is in place in the Conectional Service; the implementation is still lacking. In fact, gender mainstreaming is being considered an add-on function, and not part of the organization's primary functions. Thus, by making public managers only talk about gender mainstreaming and not being able to act towards its proper implementation, gender mainstreaming initiatives are not organization-driven. The study recommends that, leadership in the Namibian Correctional Service should refrain from addressing gender mainstreaming as an add-gender-and-stir approach, should instead acknowledge the role of both sexes as development, sound governance and democratization partners of all times. Gender inequality cannot be adequately addressed by viewing it based on improvements in women's work and representation, but rather when it is seen within the broader framework of sound social welfare, development, democracy, and governance. Therefore, the Namibian Correctional Service next Strategic Plan of Action need to be gender responsive and well in line with Namibia's international and national commitments towards realizing a zebra crossing of 50-50 gender equality across all economic, social and political settings.
Subject(s) Gender mainstreaming; Namibian correctional service; Elizabeth Nepemba correctional facility
Language en
Publisher University of Namibia
Type of publication Thesis
Repository Windhoek - University of Namibia
Added to C-A: 2023-09-25;09:22:44