Despite ongoing efforts to close the gender gap in the workplace, women in South Africa remain significantly underrepresented in senior leadership roles and continue to earn less than men in similar positions, according to a new analysis by online recruitment platform Pnet.
The report, based on five years of employment data, reveals that while women have increased their presence in middle management roles, their representation sharply declines at senior and executive levels. For example, women hold 46% of middle management positions but only 37% of director and executive roles.
Anja Bates, Head of Data at Pnet, explains that these trends point to systemic challenges women face in advancing their careers and achieving pay equity. “Unequal access to leadership, ongoing pay disparities, and occupational segregation create barriers that limit women’s full participation in the job market,” she says.
The data further highlights significant salary gaps in Gauteng, South Africa’s largest job market, with men earning substantially more than women in most comparable roles. In manufacturing and finance sectors, female operations and financial managers earn up to 18% less than their male counterparts. However, exceptions exist, such as accountants, where women earn on average 30% more than men, and marketing managers, who receive equal pay.
The report also underscores persistent occupational segregation: “pink collar” roles in administration, care, and customer service remain overwhelmingly female, while technical and manual trades like plumbing and machinery repair are dominated by men.
Bates emphasizes the business case for gender equity: “Fostering gender diversity is not only about fairness but also drives innovation and stronger financial performance. Flexible work arrangements, mentorship, and targeted recruitment can help level the playing field.”
As South Africa observes Women’s Month, the report serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, significant work remains to ensure equal opportunity and pay for women in the workplace.
