Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will co-host a Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)/ Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa (PWMSA) seminar with African National Congress (ANC) Chairperson Ms Baleka Mbete as the Chairperson for the Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa (PWMSA) from 7 to 8 March 2010 in Pretoria.
This year’s theme is “Women, peace and security: lessons learnt, shared experiences and building sisterhood focusing on the role of the Lumumba family in the liberation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)”. The seminar takes place within the context of consolidating the African Agenda with the 2010 African Union (AU) being declared by the AU as a year of peace and security in Addis Ababa during the 12th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government and the African Women’s Decade 2010 to 2020.
South Africa has played an important role in bringing an end to the war situation in the DRC which in turn paved the way for democratic elections in that country. South Africa has also rendered significant logistical and other support to the DRC with its general elections in 2006. The country’s involvement in the DRC predates the formation of the current Security Sector Reform (SSR) programme of the DRC government. In this regard, South Africa’s support relates to the issue of women in armed groups; the integration of the army; demobilisation and reintegration into normal civilian life, especially in the rural areas.
Accordingly, the theme for this year’s event seeks to highlight the ‘year of peace and security as adopted by the African Union (AU); sub-themes that will be discussed during the seminar from both countries includes:
* women and economic participation
* gender based violence
* economic empowerment programs
* issues affecting girl-child
* women and political representation
* women as refugees.
In this regard, South Africa will continue with its contribution to Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) in Africa, in particular the DRC, Burundi, Sudan and Comoros in continuation of the work already initiated in those countries.
For further information please contact:
Nomfanelo Kota
Cell: 082 459 3787
Issued by: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
5 March 2010
