Challenges that women all over the world are facing, can only be overcome and eradicated if the women themselves are prepared to roll up their sleeves and confront them head on. That was said by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe. She was speaking at an International Women's Day celebration that was hosted by the Department of Trade of Industry (the dti) at the Trident Hotel, in Mumbai, India. Businesswomen from South Africa and India were in attendance.
Deputy Minister Thabethe said women should not expect to be given everything on a silver platter in the name of women and gender empowerment, without placing themselves in the forefront of the struggle against physical and sexual abuse of women and children and women emancipation.
"As we celebrate the International Women's Day under the theme ‘The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum' today, it is important that we think about some of the hardships that women in various parts of the world are still subjected to. While significant progress has been achieved in many countries, many women still continue to experience discrimination, poverty, domestic violence, rape and abuse. All of these are a stark reminder to the women of the world that for their situations to improve, and their conditions to change for the better, they must be prepared to stand up and be counted. They need to prepare to fight for their rightful place under sun, and ensure that their crucial role in society is recognised. Nothing will come on a silver platter for them," said Thabethe.
However, Thabethe commended the Indian and South African governments for the noticeable strides that they have made as part of their efforts to emancipate and empower women.
"One of the most laudable and outstanding initiatives of the government of India is the planned establishment of the Women’s Bank, aimed at empowering businesswomen in the country. This will undoubtedly go a long way in assisting businesswomen in the country to overcome one of the biggest challenges faced by businesswomen globally, access to finance," said Thabethe.
She added that the South African government has also done quite a lot in empowering women. These interventions include the strengthening of the Gender Machinery which is led by the Ministry of Women, Children and People with disabilities in addition to the various programmes initiated by Department of Trade and Industry which are specifically tailor-made for businesswomen.
Speaking at the same event, the Consul General of South Africa in Mumbai, Mr Pule Malefane, said women entrepreneurs in India and South Africa remained on the periphery of the national economy.
"The concentration of activities of women in business is located in the areas of crafts, hawking, personal services and the retail sector. There are low participation levels of women entrepreneurs in value-adding business opportunities. Some of the chief barriers identified to promote women in business include cultural and societal problems, the psychological impact of cultural norms, lack of information, training, finance, markets, skills development and capacity building, as well as technology and business infrastructure," said Malefane.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
