This strategy serves as a guide to localize several laws and frameworks aligned with regional, continental, and global conventions such as the key Gender Policy Framework. This framework presents a vision for gender equality with guiding principles to integrate into the various sectors of government. This strategy is also entirely aligned to the localization of the National Strategic Plan for Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, particularly Pillar Five – Economic Power.

The dedicated focus on women through this strategy will subsequently ensure their empowerment produces gender equality. Contextual factors challenging WEGE in the Eastern Cape include patriarchy, discriminatory social norms, GBVF, and limited access to resources and opportunities for women. The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development (ECDSD) strives to meet its constitutional mandates and obligations of promoting socioeconomic development in the province, paying particular attention to women in rural areas, as well as remote and vulnerable communities.

The strategy seeks to align with other provincial and departmental gender policies, programmes, and strategies in order to enhance the synergistic cooperation of all departments for effective implementation. The success of this strategy depends on all stakeholders in provincial government, the private sector, local media and civil society working collaboratively and understanding WEGE. In addition, accurate costing of planned and time-bound activities, adequate funding, regular oversight, and measurable programme indicators are needed to ensure success.