The gender gap can be defined as the inequality, which exists between men and women when it comes to social, and in this case, political roles. This gap has been present throughout history, with attempts being made only recently to narrow it.

Women have up until now, and in many cases still have limited access to employment, education, health care and in the most extreme cases, life.

Some statistics to back this up are as follows: In 1995, women accounted for only 38% of the labour force, with approximately 45% of children enrolled in primary or secondary education being female. In some places it is not unheard of f

Ngubane, Phindile, "Women still have a long fight ahead", Cape Times, August 9, 2000.

that inadequate research and clerical support have led to poor background and information on awaiting topics.

Lowe Morna, Colleen, "That meaningless word, equality", Cape Times, August 9, 2000.

This is not to say that there has been no progress or achievements in narrowing this gap. A creche was established at Parliament to accommodate Parliamentarians and workers who have small children. A number of organisations have also been established to improve and fortify the roles of women in Parliament. They are the Joint Committee on the improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Women, The Women's Empowerment Unit and the Parliamentary Women's Group.

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Neft, N and Levine, AD. 1997. Where Women Stand: An International Report on the Stat

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