Theme: “A centenary of working together towards sustainable women empowerment and gender equality”.
Chairperson
Honourable members
This year 2013, South Africa commemorates the centenary of 100 years of the Anti–Pass heroic march led by Charlotte Maxeke in 1913 under the theme “a centenary of working together towards sustainable women empowerment and gender equality”.
On 9 August 1956, a heroic March to the Union Buildings, was organised and led by women struggle stalwarts Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph , Rahima Moosa, Sophie De Bruyn, and many others to the Union Buildings.
To celebrate the restoration of the identity and dignity of the people South Africa, especially women, we have witnessed The President dedicating and naming the smart ID machines after our struggle stalwarts, Sophie de Bruyn, Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph and Rahima Moosa.
As we reflect on the achievements attained to date, let us remember what drove the women of 1913 and 1956 to form a united front against the injustices of that day. Though the challenges faced by women today may be different from those of 100 years ago, the struggle continues. The injustices of today require us women to be more united to confront the struggle for the total emancipation and empowerment of women.
As a country and government, we have registered significant progress in the promotion and empowerment of women and gender equality. There is a list of legislation and policies that have been introduced since 1994 to promote women empowerment and uphold gender equality and that has drastically improved the position and conditions of women in our country. We have progressive policies that are aimed at advancing women empowerment and gender equality. While significant strides have been made to empower women and promote gender equality, women still bear a disproportionate burden of the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment.
The goal and objective is to achieve the constitutional milestone of creating a society based on the principles of equality, justice, human dignity and non-sexism. An achievement to this effect is the establishment of the department of Women, Children and People with disabilities by the democratic government of South Africa.
The mandate of the department is to coordinate, monitor and facilitate the realisation of the rights of women, children and people with disabilities through legislation, policies and programmes This mandate will be achieved process of assessing any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels in the public and private sector that seeks to uphold the rights of women, children and people with disabilities.
This year, also remark the centenary of the 1913 Native Land Act. The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform has committed to ensure that rural women are prioritised as beneficiaries of the land reform processes to redress the imbalances created by the land act of 1913.
Women continue to be marginalised and discriminated against in terms of economic opportunities, the labour market, credit, and finance. In addition, a life of abuse, discrimination and violation of human rights remain the harsh reality for the majority of women in our country.
We continue to work in partnership with government departments and state-owned enterprises such as DTI, DED, IDC, IDT SEDA and Human Settlements to facilitate opportunities for women economic empowerment in rural, peri-urban and informal settlements to participate in the economy.
With regard to the Traditional Courts Bill, we will continue to work with rural women and other stakeholders to ensure that the provisions of the Bill are consistent with our Constitution and protect the rights of women
Preliminary consultations were conducted and coordinated with women, especially rural women to ensure maximum participation on deliberations on the Bill. We are confident that the inputs and submissions made by the women of South Africa will be considered. As a department, our interest is to ensure that this Bill does not reverse the gains that women have made towards empowerment and gender equality.
The National Council against Gender Based Violence is driving the 365 Days Campaign to fight gender based violence. The Council is made up of government, civil society and private sector organisations working together to fight the scourge of violence and abuse against women, children and people with disabilities. This amongst many others include ensuring that effective and efficient programmes are given to all victims of gender based violence as well as promoting; awareness and educational campaigns.
We also welcome re-establishment of Sexual Offenses Courts by the department of Justice and the Family Violence, child protection and Sexual Offences Units established in the South African Police Services, as well as the training of police and forensic social services. We believe these are milestones in the fight against the scourge of violence and abuse of women and children in South Africa
South Africa has made commitments through the Constitution, various pieces of legislation and international conventions to respect, promote, protect and advance the rights of women. We all have a duty and obligation to honour these commitments. I therefore call upon all South Africans to promote, protect the rights of women, children and people with disabilities in our country.
It is our responsibility as government and society as a whole, to unite in action to uphold these rights.
I thank you!!
Malibongwe!!!
