The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) calls upon all South Africans to pay homage to the heroes of the 1956 women’s march. It is through their resilient that today, we talk about the “rock that Strikes back” in its endeavour to have its voice being heard. The Commission believes that, it is incumbent upon all us to ensure that a society free from gender oppression and inequality is realised.
We are also mindful of the fact that several cases of abuse of women and children seem to be on the rise during this period, hence the Commission urges all law abiding citizens to be on the look-out for same as this will help society root out this unwanted behaviours.
Whilst, we celebrate some of the gains since the advent of democracy in terms of gender equality, it is worth noting that the recently held local government elections also gave us a wakeup call that women are far from being fully represented in all tiers of government.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) gave the figure of 38.5% as having been achieved by women from all political spectrum and independent candidates and this is fractionally low taking in cognisance various conventions and protocols that seek to address gender disparities. At this rate, we believe the 50/50% representation as advocated by Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Gender and Development will be off the mark by 2015.
The Commission is particularly concern at the violent attack on the elders and lesbians, gays, Bisexual, transgendered and intersexed people (LGBTI). The prevalence of rape in provinces such as North West, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal as reported in the national police statistics is a worry. We cannot pride ourselves as a carrying nation whereas women and girl children have to constantly look upon their shoulders in fear of being attack.
The recent election of Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma as the chairperson of African Union (AU) should serve as a yardstick that indeed women empowerment, if given a chance and opportunity, can materialise.
Contact Person:
Javu Baloyi
Cell: 083 579 3306
