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Submission information
Submission Number: 145
Submission ID: 1007
Submission UUID: 24d45977-39e3-454d-864c-01ce2e1947ce
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Tue, 05/20/2025 - 11:02
Completed: Tue, 05/20/2025 - 12:36
Changed: Thu, 08/07/2025 - 10:35
Remote IP address: 196.21.236.4
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Ms.
Mandlazi
Ntombenhle brenda
University of fort hare
Ms. N.B. Mandlazi is the Fieldwork Coordinator at the University of Fort Hare, East London Campus, within the Department of Criminology, Psychology, and Social Work. Just completed PhD in Social Work Degree from UNISA and holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Witwatersrand. Additionally, she has earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education and Training from the University of Fort Hare and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from UNIVEN. She was awarded the Teaching and Learning Vice Chancellor’s Award for e-learning in 2024 and has an extensive record of excellence within the Department of Social Development, where she has been repeatedly honored for her outstanding contributions. Her research interests include occupational stress, gender, and fieldwork.
No
Abstract
Perceptions of Social Auxiliary Workers on Gender-Related Factors Contributing to Occupational Stress: Exploring the Role of Single-Gender Dominance and Job Design
THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SUB 2.2 Research and practice strategies pertaining to health, mental health and wellbeing including poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth.
Oral Presentation
Gender-related occupational stress significantly impacts employees' health, well-being, and productivity across various sectors, including South Africa's Department of Social Development. This study explored the gender-specific stressors affecting Social Auxiliary Workers (SAWs) within this department, aiming to understand how these stressors influence their well-being, job performance, and coping mechanisms. A qualitative, phenomenological research design was employed, guided by exploratory, descriptive, and contextual approaches. Purposive, non-probability sampling was utilized to select 37 SAWs (13 male and 24 female) with at least one year of experience in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality of Mpumalanga Province. Data collection involved 13 semi-structured individual interviews and five focus group discussions, employing thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes within the data.
The findings revealed that gender-related challenges stemmed from workforce imbalances, including wellness programs not tailored to address gender differences, job designs reinforcing gender roles, and tasks influenced by gender stereotypes. The study underscores the necessity for gender-sensitive wellness programs and policies within the Department of Social Development to enhance SAWs' job satisfaction. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving employee retention, reducing burnout, and ensuring the delivery of quality services to clients.
The findings revealed that gender-related challenges stemmed from workforce imbalances, including wellness programs not tailored to address gender differences, job designs reinforcing gender roles, and tasks influenced by gender stereotypes. The study underscores the necessity for gender-sensitive wellness programs and policies within the Department of Social Development to enhance SAWs' job satisfaction. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving employee retention, reducing burnout, and ensuring the delivery of quality services to clients.
Reviewer ONE Feedback
Ms
SELLOANE
PHOOFOLO
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted
Reviewer TWO Feedback
Dr
Marinei
Herselman
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted