The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) wishes to congratulate Ms Nonkululeko Nyembezi for being the First Black Woman Chairperson of Alexander Forbes in its 82-year history. The Gender Commission also extends its heartfelt appreciation for other women who have recently appointed in the banking sector, academia, Government Judiciary, Departments and other sectors. Their appointment will serve as an inspiration for other women provided that similar opportunities are made available by both the private and public sector. These appointments are indicative that the glass ceiling barrier can be broken, henceforth a realisation that South Africa has more capable women to lead in any given role.
The Gender Commission believes through these ground-breaking appointments, these women would use their position to ensure that gender responsive budgets are made available in order to pave the way for other women to be empowered and succeed. The CGE hopes that their will channel most of their corporate social investments to cooperatives, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations (CSOs) that are women run.
The Gender Commission is of the view that women in leadership should also seek to uplift fellow women in both the informal sector of the economy and those that are trapped in the abject poverty staying in informal settlements. By so doing they will be championing for the rights of women whom some cannot free themselves in abusive relationship because of lack of skills and opportunities.
The Gender Commission will always, if called upon, give the necessary advice and encouragement to corporate and other entities to sustain the momentum towards gender transformation and women’s empowerment in South Africa.
It is our belief that other women, in particularly girl children will look at the appointment of Ms Nyembezi and other women who have ascended the positions of authority not as a fulfilment of a dream for them but a constant reminder that they too can do just that, if not more.
Enquiries:
Javu Baloyi
Cell: 083 579 3306
