Moreover, there is a fear of violence in connection with the election process, which may make voting difficult in some areas. In rural areas, where there is a high concentration of African women, travel costs and time, and difficulties in accessing participants, will also present problems. Studies conducted by Grahamstown University highlight the high illiteracy rate among the African population. A survey conducted found absolute illiteracy to be 63 per cent. Eight out of 10 people surveyed in rural areas were found to be functionally illiterate.
Studies show a strong correlation between educational levels and occupation.
Among economically active African women, 64.2 per cent were found in service occupations and in farming and farming-related activities. In contrast, only 12.1 per cent were found in managerial, executive and administrative occupations. The Women's National Coalition, created in April 1992, launched a campaign for the Women's Charter in March 1993, to ensure that South African women are recognized, protected and granted legal equality by the new democratic Government to be elected in April 1994. The Charter is expected to form part of the national constitution. The question of the Charter's specific status in relation to the national constitution is still a matter of debate within the Coalition.