Department for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities

Profile narrative

The Department for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) is a South African government department. Its mandate is to develop and implement policies, programmes, and services that promote the rights and wellbeing of women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The department focuses on advancing gender equality, youth empowerment, and disability inclusion. It carries out this mandate through the design and delivery of initiatives aimed at these population groups.

DWYPD operates with a national mandate, meaning its activities are intended to benefit individuals throughout South Africa. The department’s headquarters is located in South Africa, although the specific city is not disclosed in the available sources. Its mandate applies to the entire territory of South Africa. The organisation’s work is guided by national legislation and international commitments related to its target groups.

A distinguishing characteristic of DWYPD is its specialised focus on the intersecting concerns of gender, age, and disability. The department is responsible for developing policies that address gender, youth, and disability issues. Its work involves policy development, programme implementation, and service delivery. Its role includes monitoring whether government plans and budgets adequately address the needs of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

In April 2020, DWYPD experienced a notable security incident during a public Zoom webinar intended to discuss COVID‑19 impacts on vulnerable populations. Unauthorised participants hijacked the session, displaying pornographic images and propaganda to approximately 400 attendees, including journalists. The department issued a public apology, characterised the breach as a technology‑assisted assault, and reconvened the meeting privately while pledging enhanced security measures. The incident underscored the vulnerabilities of open‑access virtual events and prompted a review of the department’s online engagement protocols.

DWYPD is a government department within the South African public sector. As such, it receives funding through the national budget and operates under public‑sector accountability frameworks. The organisation continues to fulfil its mandate of promoting inclusive development and safeguarding the rights of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Incidents

1 incident linked to this organisation.