Stats SA: Women continue to bear brunt of joblessness

JOHANNESBURG - As the country continues to mark Women's Month, Stats SA says there's little to celebrate as women continue to grapple with high unemployment and inequality. 

Stats SA released the latest unemployment figures on Tuesday, which show an uptick in joblessness.

It said unemployment increased to 33.5% during the second quarter, from 32.9% in the previous quarter.

Stats SA said women in South Africa continue to shoulder a disproportionate burden of unemployment, underemployment and lower workforce participation compared to men.

READ: SA unemployment rate increases to 33.5% in Q2

The trends in labour force participation and absorption rates for men and women in the last 10 years indicate that fewer women have been participating in the labour market. 

Over the decade, gender disparity in unemployment rates has persisted across all education levels. 

The most significant rises were among women with tertiary qualifications, where the unemployment rate jumped from 15.1% in the second quarter of 2014 to 26.9% in the latest period under review. 

Unemployment among women with a grade 12 certificate increased to almost 40%. 

Stats SA said these disparities not only affect women's economic independence but also limit overall economic growth.