Janine Hicks was Commissioner with the Commission for Gender Equality, an independent, statutory body mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa with promoting and ensuring the attainment of gender equality in South Africa. During her tenure, the CGE performed dismally and Janine Hicks was not free from controversy over irregular travel claims and holding both position of co-CEO and Commissioner. This was detailed in a report from the Public Protector. 

 

  She holds an LL B degree from the former University of Natal, Durban, and an MA in Development Studies from the University of Sussex, UK.  Through her work with the then Community Law Centre in the early 1990s, Janine has a background and keen interest in rural communities’ access to justice, development and human rights, and in strengthening citizen participation in processes of government, through advocacy.  She has a particular interest in women’s human rights issues, and in addressing instances of gender discrimination and inequality.  In addition to her role as Chairperson of the Community Law and Rural Development Centre, Janine chairs the Board of Trustees of The Valley Trust, and the Board of Directors of Agenda Feminist Media.

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