6 July 2007
The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Dr Jean Swanson-Jacobs,
accompanied by the Gauteng Social Development MEC, Mr Kgaogelo Lekgoro, will
officiate at the 2007 World Population Day celebrations at the Lesedi Cultural
Village in Pretoria on 11 July.
World Population Day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness on the
importance of population and socio-economic development, under the leadership
of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The theme for World Population Day 2007 is "Men as Partners in Maternal
Health."
Maternal health was chosen as this year's theme to observe the 20th
anniversary of the Safe Motherhood Initiative.
"No woman should die giving life and the message for World Population Day
2007 and beyond is that men are partners and agents for change, supporting
human rights and safe motherhood," said Dr Swanson-Jacobs.
"We see men and women as partners in a relationship built on mutual respect,
trust and commitment. Partnering with men promotes the right of every woman,
man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity," said Thoraya
Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director.
The objectives of the event will be:
* to create a platform to challenge deep rooted notions of masculinity that
are limiting and can put men and their partners at risk
* to encourage dialogue and debates how men can act as agents for change in
reproductive health and ensuring that the voices of women are heard, their
needs are met and human rights are protected
* to provide and disseminate information on reproductive health issues.
The event will be held as follows:
Date: 11 July 2007
Time: 09h30
Venue: Lesedi Cultural Village, Atteridgeville, Pretoria
Enquiries:
Zingaphi Matanzima
Cell: 073 122 3133
Jonas Mashigo
Tel: 012 312 7793
Cell: 082 615 1478
Issued by: Department of Social Development
6 July 2007
