“Why Gender Matters” in Public Governance: An Interlocutor’s critical discourse analysis

Abstract
What this article seeks to argue is that Gender matters, in all systems and forms of governance, as it is about fundamental human rights, founded on principles of equality, inclusion and fairness. In broad terms, gender, as a social construct, involves the creation of a dichotomy by emphasizing differences and diminishing similarities. It also intersects with other social and economic inequalities, particularly when biological differences are considered. Governance is broadly defined as the manner in which power-sharing among and between different stakeholders occurs and gets managed. Whereas public governance refers to the systems, processes, and practices through which public institutions and actors exercise authority, make decisions, and implement policies to promote the public interest and ensure the effective and efficient functioning of public services and institutions.
The historical marginalisation of black women in arid academic scholasticism and by a brutal pragmatism of power which kept women in abeyance is a focus of this study. ‘Gender matters’ in public governance in particular, is not just about atonement but about making visible the invisible presence of a new force of logic and action. Thus, this paper sought to pose this question ‘why gender matters’ as a unique but also general solution institutions lack across all contexts of public governance. Invariably, Governance as a field of study and Public and Corporate Governance as sub-fields form a critical part. This study employed qualitative research as a method of inquiry. The findings illustrate the importance of gender in public governance, especially in the Judicial system. Among its significance is creating policies that are inclusive of women in governance to level the proverbial playing field.