The impact of globalization on women has been harsh. Globalization has exploited gender inequalities and deepened and reinforced them in several ways. Globally, over the last two and half decades governments have slashed budgets for health care, education and pensions. The reproductive roles given to women limit their ability to conduct sustainable economic activity. Women get employed in the most exploitative areas of labor because of their low level of education and skills.
Women have more difficulties in accessing land.
Women, especially unemployed women in rural areas, townships and informal settlements experience the worst effects of poverty. Therefore the focus and starting point for defining and analyzing poverty and gender equality will have to be poor women themselves. South Africa also faces an increasing scourge of violence against women with limited access to justice and support. The SACP opposes violence against women and understands it as part of the oppression of women in society. The SACP program for the year 2000 includes a strong campaign on violence against women.