Hundreds of KwaZulu-Natal rural women came out in their droves to attend the provincial summit on rural women at Cecil Emmet Hall at Vryheid, Zululand District today, 29 October 2010. The summit was convened by the provincial Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development at the backdrop of the International Day of Rural Women which is celebrated annually on 15 October.
This day was launched by several international non-governmental organisation (NGOS) during the 4th UN World Conference on Women in 1995. After that, a worldwide empowerment and educational campaign spearheaded by the Women’s World Summit Foundation followed suit. The International Day of Rural Women celebrations and events take place in more than 100 countries around the world.
The main objective of the summit was in line with the notion of observing and dedicating a day to profile rural women. The province along with other countries elsewhere in the world recognises and appreciates the critical role and contribution of rural women including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty. The purpose of the summit was to grasp the attention of the government and all stakeholders towards the condition of rural women, bridge the gaps between government departments and rural women so as to come up with a rural women strategy.
It was attended by women who are actively involved in agricultural and environmental projects, Arts and Culture projects, Community Based Organisations, Ondlunkulu and the 2010 Female Entrepreneur Winners. It was also graced by the presence of the first lady of the country MaKhumalo, Mrs Sizakele Zuma who is a patron of rural development herself. Makhumalo encouraged the women not to relent but continue to be pillars of their households despite the challenges. She emphasised the importance of practicing agriculture as means of ensuring that there is food security in their homes.
MEC Johnson profusely thanked the women for honouring the summit and told them that the department wants them to own the different processes involving their development. “Women comprise over half the world’s population. They make a major contribution to the well-being and sustainable development of their communities and nations, and in ensuring food security in the development and stability of the rural areas.
They also see to the maintenance of the earth’s ecosystems, biodiversity and natural resources. The gender perspective on rural development calls for a specific focus on the contributions, needs and visions of women, as their positions have too often been neglected” said Johnson
The women were given an opportunity to air their views and sighted mostly challenges that impede on their work. Amongst other issues sighted were issues of water resources, fencing, markets and land. They urged the department to intervene and ease the burden on their shoulders. Issues raised during the summit will inform the budget process for the next financial year. The department will however continue to work closely with rural women, ondlunkulu and amakhosi in spearheading rural development in the province.
Each rural woman went home with a hoe and a packet of seeds which MEC Johnson said should be a souvenir for the summit.
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