The paradox of gender inequity in democratic societies: Exploring systemic contradictions in pursuit of equality

Tshepo Patrick Mbowane, Lusani Randima and Phoke Alpha Rakgwata
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Tshepo Patrick Mbowane: University of Venda
Lusani Randima: University of Venda
Phoke Alpha Rakgwata: University of Venda

International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), 2025, vol. 14, issue 6, 270-277

Abstract: In a country where gender inequity had been a factor that discriminated against women, many endeavors have been put up in attempts to balance both genders. The initiatives promoting gender equity seek to redress historical imbalances; they inadvertently perpetuate gender inequality due to systemic biases and societal resistance. However, a little too much has been done to the point where the discrimination has seemingly fallen on men. The study aimed to investigate the factors that cause gender inequity, from discriminating against women to discriminating against men. Formal legal rights do not always translate into substantive equality, particularly in areas such as wage equity, political representation, and reproductive autonomy. The study employed desktop comprehensive data to review existing literature from journal articles, Google Scholar sources, and government documents that align with the study. The data was analyzed through content analysis. The findings of this study concretized the public about the extent to which gender inequity is being ignored when it favors one gender over the other. The study further contributed to the ongoing discourse on gender issues and highlights the need for more effective strategies that address the roots of gender inequality in a democratic context. The implications suggest that achieving accurate gender equity in democracies requires more than legal reform; it demands structural transformation, inclusive policymaking, and cultural change. Key Words:Gender-equity, Gender-inequity, discrimination, inequality, Democratic countries.

Date: 2025
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