OUTLINE. Introduction and background Some literature Problem statement Research methodology Findings Conclusions & Recommendations

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2 OUTLINE Introduction and background Some literature Problem statement Research methodology Findings Conclusions & Recommendations

3 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Women parliamentarians are a relatively new addition to the modern legislative environment that has been dominated for centuries by males. In the last few decades, female representation in the legislatures became a reality in most democratically elected parliaments. Even in countries, such as Pakistan, where women have traditionally been prohibited from any participation in public organisations (Jinnah in Zaka 2012). Though women have been included in the national government of South Africa prior to 1994, it was only after the first democratic elections that female representation became substantial with a 30% representation in 1999, which grew to 44.5% in 2008 (Zaka 2012). After the 2009 election the country was ranked 5 th in the world with female representation standing at 44.8% in the national government (Women in Parliament 2014).

4 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Though also involved in the many issues of national concern, female parliamentarians have a specific role to play in highlighting and sensitizing their male counterparts to issues relating to women, such as gender violence, abortion, health-related issues, human rights, war peace and terrorism (Shaheen, Arif and Naqvi 2012). Despite still being under-represented in most parliaments today female parliamentarians currently seem to be focusing on their impact in the organisation, mobilisation, motivation and advancement of women related issues, from inside the national governments of the countries they represent. Lovenduski and Karam (2002), advocate that additional to promoting women s issues these parliamentarians are also instrumental in the promulgation of related gender legislation, or the changing of existing legislation concerning women.

5 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND The KwaZulu/Natal Provincial Legislature is one of the nine Provincial Legislatures in South Africa. It has legislative authority over the KwaZulu/Natal Province serving a population of about million people. The Legislative office, situated in Pietermaritzburg, is home to 80 parliamentary members. During the parliamentary period started in May 2014, 31 (39%) of the parliamentarians were females (KwaZulu-Natal Legislature 2014).

6 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND A Library and Research Services unit provides information services to the parliamentarians and the parliamentary staff. The staff consists of 3 permanent Library staff members, part time staff member and 12 Researchers, sometimes there are interns According to the Guide to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature (2009) the legislature has a well-developed information system for supplying information to Members and staff. Services commonly offered include books, newspaper subscriptions, electronic journal subscriptions, on-line database subscriptions and a news-clipping service (Mostert 2007). Additionally, the library subscribes to various online institutions, and belongs to a network of libraries which allows them to provide access to virtually all books in South Africa (Guide to the KwaZulu- Natal legislature 2009).

7 SOME LITERATURE Information needs of parliamentarians have been examined by many authors both internationally and nationally especially in the 1990s and 2000s. For example, in the United Kingdom, Marcella, Carcary and Baxter (1999) conducted a study to examine the information needs of United Kingdom Members of the European parliament (MEPs).

8 SOME LITERATURE Subsequently, Orton, Marcella and Baxter (2000) in their study An observational study of the information seeking behaviour of Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom. In 2007, Marcella, Baxter, Davies and Toornstra, conducted a study to develop a better understanding of clients needs in relation to European Parliamentary information and research services. (2007:921).

9 SOME LITERATURE In Scotland, a related study by Smith and Webster (2004) was conducted on the use of information communication technology of parliamentarians. In the same year, 2004, Chappelet from Switzerland examined the use of EICT by Members of Parliaments. In the African region, the studies by Aleman and Skouby (2000) examined the information needs and information seeking behaviour of members of Ghana Legislators. Subsequently, Ofori-Dwumfuo and Addo (2012) aimed to examine the extent of usage of information and ICT resources by Ghanaian parliamentarians and the reasons for their poor usage of the library.

10 SOME LITERATURE In Uganda, Nalumaga conducted a study on information access and use by Legislators in the Ugandan parliament in This study focussed mainly on female members of Parliament. In South Africa, Mostert (2005) conducted a study on parliamentary information sources, systems and services in South Africa. In the same year, Mostert and Ocholla (2005) conducted on information needs and information seeking behaviour of parliamentarians in South Africa.

11 PROBLEM STATEMENT Literature indicates that women representation in the Parliament of South Africa has risen to 44.8% (Women in Parliament). Within this percentage, there are those who are first time Legislators partly due to new Political Parties emerged prior to 2014 National Elections and also to shifting and replacements. In realising that women have been for a long time forbidden participation in any public organization (Zaka, 2012) including parliament in many countries, their gradual increase in numbers in SA parliament poses a question in performing their legislative duties with limited experience and long term exclusion.

12 AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the paper was to establish the information needs and seeking behaviour of the female parliamentarians in the KZN parliament. The study aimed to determine: - the contextual information needs of female parliamentarians in the KZN legislature - the reasons for seeking information by these parliamentary members - the sources and services preferred or used by the female parliamentarians - the role of library of parliament in their information needs - the role that ICTs and social media play in their information seeking behaviour - the challenges that women parliamentarians experience in fulfilling their legislative role in terms of information access and use

13 METHODOLOGY The study used multiple methods. Content analysis was used to review articles, clippings, books, dissertations, theses and any other recorded document on women parliamentarians and their information needs and seeking behaviour. Primary data was obtained by sending questionnaires to 31 women parliamentarians in the KZN Provincial Legislature who were purposively selected. Twenty one (68%) responded. Additionally, interviews were used to collect primary data from the staff in the Parliamentary library of the Legislature and one focus group with selected researchers of the committees.

14 FINDINGS There are eighty (80) MPLs in the KZN Legislature, 31 (39%) are female Parliamentarians. Twenty one (68%) women parliamentarians returned the questionnaires. Personal information Nine (43%) were between the age brackets years while only 4 (18%) between age brackets. From those who responded, 2 (10%) were between age brackets and no respondent was older than 70 years. However, there were 6 (29%) who were between age bracket Out of twenty one women parliamentarians, 17 (80%) belonged to African National Congress and 2 (10%) were Democratic Alliance members. There was one (5%) from National Freedom Party and one (5%) from Inkatha Freedom Party.

15 FINDINGS Positions within parliament Four were Ministers while 17 were Committee Members. Highest qualification All twenty one women parliamentarians had obtained matric certificate. Five(24%) had Matric only, as the highest standard passed and 10 (47%) had Diplomas, while 3(14%) hold a Bachelors degree. Two (10%) of them had an Honours degree and 1 (5%) obtained a Masters degree. None of the respondents had a Doctorate degree.

16 FINDINGS Perceptions of information News from radio and television, news from newspapers, books with information, proceedings of various meetings, workshops, conferences and committees, journal articles and information shared verbally between colleagues and fellow parliamentarians were all regarded as valuable information by the women parliamentarians. Information needs Their responses indicate that they wanted to keep abreast of the current situation in the country and outside (17: 81%); to prepare for speeches where they will debate in the committees and answer questions from colleagues and opposition parliamentarians (20: 95%); to further their studies (9: 43%).

17 FINDINGS Sources of information Women parliamentarians provided various sources from which they access information for their needs. All (21:100%) use the official publications from Parliament such as the Government and Provincial Gazettes and any documentation pertaining to Acts, Bills, Notices and so on; they also use media such as newspapers, radio and TV (21: 100). Relevant books were also accessed (9:43%) for information. Sixteen (76%) access information via their smart phones or ipads or request it and retrieve it from fellow colleagues using their smart phones. Some (4: 19%) also consulted with fellow parliamentarians. The most important information sources All (21: 100%) used government publications and websites as the most preferred information sources.

18 FINDINGS Frequency in seeking types of information The respondents were asked to indicate how often they referred to the sources given below for their information. They responded that they consulted with these types of sources as frequently as possible to prepare for their engagement in their Committees or prepare for speeches or be prepared for any questions raised and debates. Assistance from the Parliamentary library when seeking for information The respondents were asked if they needed any assistance when seeking for and retrieving information and they were further asked who assisted them in this process when they needed assistance. Eighteen indicated that the researchers assist them with information they need, however, 3 indicated that they were assisted by both the researchers and the librarians especially when they visited the library themselves, which is not very often, especially on busy times.

19 FINDINGS Importance of the Parliamentary library as a source of information Two (10%) were aware of the existence of the Library of Parliament, though not fully aware of all the services offered there because they had not had time to use it. Fifteen (71%) were fully aware of the services and they mentioned services like photocopying, loan and return services, printing services, lending, references to other library. Four (19%) did not respond to this question. Relevance of Parliamentary library with the information and number of staff Fifteen (71%) indicated that the parliamentary library was relevant, however it had an inadequate staff compliment to cater for their information needs. They suggested an increase in the number of library staff. Four (19%) were not sure of the relevance of the Parliamentary library and two (10%) did not answer this question.

20 FINDINGS Collection of the Parliamentary library Seventeen (81%) indicated that the Parliamentary library had a good and relevant collection stocked with sources which meet their needs. Four (19%) did not answer this question. Quality of service at the Parliamentary library The Parliamentary library has the main aim and obligation to serve the Parliamentarians. Therefore its services should be tailor-made for its clients. The question about the quality of service at the Parliamentary library was asked to determine if the Parliamentarians and women in particular are served with quality service for their duties. Those who visited the library (17: 81%) indicated that they were treated well and provided with quality service by the library staff.

21 FINDINGS Preference mode of information It was important to determine the preferred mode of information access by women Parliamentarians. This was to enable the providers of information and services to women Parliamentarians to use the correct format for information. Five (24%) preferred printed sources while 16 (76%) preferred s so that they could use their personal computers, ipads or their smart phones. Skills in using computer To determine how advanced the women Parliamentarians are in having skills to operate a computer. Sixteen (76%) were able to operate the computer however when they needed assistance, they consulted the librarian. Five did not answer this question. Information Communication Technology skills The respondents were asked to indicate their ICT skills for word processing, internet browsing, , social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and any other. A large percentage (21: 100%) has skills in using word processing, s, social networks and also to browse internet.

22 FINDINGS Library Table 1: Challenges in information access and use Time Researchers Technology Limited education to the level of researcher which may always provide for all the time speedy searching and retrieval of information and also best debated matters raised. Limited staff. The present staff stretches themselves for everything because they are few. Unavailability of time from the side of the women parliamentarians to do things for themselves, and heavy reliance on the researchers limit them from gaining important skills in the searching and accessing of information. Limited number of researchers assigned to women parliamentarians delays information provision. They have to attend to information needs per group/ committee which consist of a number of members. Limited computers and limited internet services promote reliance to either researchers or librarians.

23 FINDINGS Responses from the Parliamentary library and researchers The library has two library staff members, the librarian and the library assistant. However, there is an acting head who oversees the management issues of the library of parliament and one part time staff. The library staff issues Members of parliament with library membership cards so that they can access the library and the services as their needs arise. They work hand in hand with the researchers who have been assigned to Committees. These researchers search and request for information needed by women parliamentarians from the library staff. The library staff also requests information they do not have from the other institutions or their network of libraries. Narrative responses: Library staff The library provides space for all the women parliamentarians who need space to sit in the library and search for information or do any task. It also provides information in different formats. In cases where the information is not available in the library of Parliament, it is sought and borrowed from other institutions. Other services provided are photocopying and printing services, assistance in helping individual parliamentarian find information. However, the services of the library are not well utilised by women parliamentarians because of their busy schedule. Instead researchers allocated to them visit the library and utilise the services on their behalf. Female parliamentarians information needs relate to politics, parliament, debates, Acts, Bills. They need such information on National, and international levels. However, information needed by women parliamentarians differs from those used by male parliamentarians. In most cases women parliamentarians are in portfolios and committees which debate and oversee women issues such as poverty, abuse, education, climate change and agriculture. The observation is that they rely on oral, face-to-face sources, such as the researchers and fellow parliamentarians, but female parliamentarians need to access information internationally that focus on women issues, therefore they use internet, and also their mobile phones to contact and access information speedily sent to them.

24 FINDINGS Narration: Researchers Female parliamentarians belong to various committees. Usually the information needed relates to what is about to be debated within the Committees. Therefore they need information for debates and also for responding to questions when the Committees are in a meeting. So we look for information they need from the library and access previous speeches, Acts and Bills and newspapers cuttings any politically related issue kept in the library. We request information not available from other libraries through library staff. Women parliamentarians are very busy people. In most cases they are outside the Legislative building working in the field or meeting people, not unless there is meeting for all parliamentarians. They rely on us for information and we rely on the library. We provide printed documents We also access information from printed newspapers. Some parliamentarians request ask to send information to their phones, so they use their mobile phones to access information we send them, we often as well. Some of the female parliamentarians are scholars. They need information related to their studies other than for debates within the Committees. When they personally visit the library, they are provided with the information they need. However most of them send the researchers to the library. When they are personally visiting the library, most of them need assistance on how to search and which websites could be used for particular information. However, the observation is that female parliamentarians are independently able to seek for information they need better than male parliamentarians.

25 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS The contextual information needs of female parliamentarians in the KZN legislature Women parliamentarians regard news from radio, television, and information from government websites, government documents and publication, from books and journals from newspaper clips as valuable information which they could use to carry their parliamentary activities. Therefore, all these sources of information should be rightfully provided to the women parliamentarians for them to perform their duty as expected. The reasons for seeking information by these parliamentary members Women parliamentarians have information needs that relate to their duties in different levels of the Legislature. These information needs address their duty to debate in the assigned committees, prepare speeches, and answer questions in the committees or the general Legislature. Therefore, these information needs should be support by all supporting stakeholders and structures such as the parliament library, researchers and other fellow parliamentarians The sources and services preferred or used by the female parliamentarians Women parliamentarians use the personal technological devices such as smart phones to urgently search and access information they need. They use Government website and government publication as well. Fellow parliamentarians are consulted when the need arises. The parliamentary library is also a vital source of information to them, their researchers and other parliamentarians. The study therefore recommends that all these sources and services available in the library, should be provided timeously to women parliamentarians or their researchers. The role of library of parliament in their information needs The Parliamentary library plays a vital role in supporting women parliamentarians with information and services which help them do their duties as expected. The space, material, services and assistance with regard to personal searches, guidance in searching for information make the

26 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS The role that ICTs and social media play in their information seeking behaviour ICTs have been indicated as making searching for, accessing and sharing information as conveniently as possible among women parliamentarians. The social media as well is important to them for quick access to information, dissemination and update. It is therefore the recommendation of this study that women parliamentarians should be encouraged to use ICTs so that they access needed information easily. Those who have limited skills should get some training from the library and from the service providers of their personal mobile smart phones so that they use their devices optimally. The challenges that women parliamentarians experience in fulfilling their legislative role in terms of information access and use Women parliamentarians have challenges which sometimes delay them access to information they need. They do not have time and they rely to the assistance from the library a staff and the researchers. Some of them are studying and have to balance between hectic status of being a parliamentarian and improvement of their educational status. The challenges talked to skills of access ICTs and social media for easy and quick access to information. Women parliamentarians should be supported by all means to overcome the challenges. Necessary training on the use of computers and other technologies, increase in the number researchers, increasing library staff may lower their burden and challenges.

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