Home Affairs Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will on Friday 25 March 2011, receive an award from the Women’s Development Foundation (WDF) as part of an event commemorating the role of women in the country’s first democratic Parliament at Constitutional Hill, Johannesburg. In this regard, this event has been organised around the theme, “A Celebration of Women in the First National Assembly.Celebrating Democracy 1994 to 1999.”
Minister Dlamini Zuma will be honoured along with 152 of the 168 women who served as members of the country’s first democratic Parliament from 1994 to 1999, at the Constitutional Hill Women’s Prison.
This event comes within the context of South Africa’s, in line with the African Union and Southern African Development Community resolutions on gender parity, to achieving this parity in all government departments and its institutions. In 1994, when the members of the first democratic Parliament assumed office, South Africa moved from 141 in the world in terms of gender parity to 8. In 2010, the country had achieved a 39% compliance in terms of gender parity.
The day’s proceedings will begin with the unveiling of a memorial which attests to the strides South Africa has made on the road to democracy, strides that have resulted in progress towards a non-sexist, non-racial country supported by a government that is committed to working together to create a better life for all it’s people. This history of South Africa illustrates the invaluable role played by women in this quest.
Formed in 1992 by Dr Brigalia Bam, the Women’s Development Foundation served as a direct response to the historical status of women in South Africa and the continually unfolding political developments. The WDF is committed to promoting and supporting women in leadership while recognising their contribution at all levels of all sectors of institutions in society.
Enquiries
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Minister Dlamini Zuma to receive award in celebration of Women in Parliament
