The 50th anniversary celebration of the Pan-African Women Organisation (PAWO) will be held on 30 to 31 August 2013 in Pretoria under the theme: “African Renaissance: The Pan-African Women’s Role.” The event will be hosted by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.
The Pan-African Women Organisation was created on 31 July 1962 in Dar es Salam, the United Republic of Tanzania. It was the first continental women’s organisation. One of the main aims of forming PAWO was to mobilise women to fight for their liberation especially in countries that were still colonised. Today, it aims to ensure that it remains a relevant and strong voice of women, in Africa and the world.
It is expected that remarks will be made by Minister Nkoana-Mashabane, the Premier of Gauteng, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane, and the President of PAWO, Madame Assetou Koite, amongst others.
PAWO continues to have a key role to play in today’s society and the successful conclusion of 50th Anniversary will culminate in the adoption of a declaration, paving the way forward.
Members of the media are invited to attend the opening and closing session of the PAWO Meeting:
Date: 30 to 31 August 2013
Time: 9h00 (Friday, 30 August 2013) and 14h00 (Saturday, 31 August 2013)
Venue: Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), OR Tambo Building, 460 Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale, Pretoria
Please be advised that there will be live accreditation at DIRCO (1st Basement, Gym), on Friday, 30 August 2013 at 8h00. Please bring your ID/Passport and press cards.
RSVPs: Media wishing to cover the event, are kindly requested to submit their details (name & surname, passport/ID no, media house, designation, and contact details) to Juanique Bowman at bowmanj@dirco.gov.za.
Enquiries:
Mr Nelson Kgwete
Cell: 076 431 3078
Media Programme:
Friday, 30 August 2013
Day 1 – Opening Session
9h00 to 9h45 Arrival of Guests and Registration
10h00 to 11h30: Opening Session
- Open remarks: Premier of Gauteng Province of the Republic of South Africa, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane (tbc)
- Welcome Remarks: Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
- Remarks by Madame Assetou Koite, President of the Pan African Women’s Organisation
- Message of support on behalf of the Government of Tanzania (as the birth country of the Organisation) (tbc)
- Introduction by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, of the key note speaker
- Keynote Address
- Celebration manifestations
- Group Photo session
Saturday, 31 August 2013
Day 2 – Closing Session
14h00 to 15h30 : Closing Session
- Adoption of Outcomes and Declaration
- Vote of Thanks: Presented by a Member State
- Closing remarks: Madame Assetou Koite, President of the Pan-African Women’s Organisation
- Closing Remarks and Words of Appreciation, H.E. Ms Lulu Xingwana, Minister of Women, Children and Disabled Persons of the Republic of South Africa
