deepening democracy in provinces
8 August 2007
The Women's Month celebration is one of the flagship programmes of the
Commission on Gender Equality (CGE).
As part of upholding gender equality as mandated by South Africa's
Constitution, and aimed also to commemorate contributions women have made to
society and their achievements, the CGE is hosting countrywide events
throughout August 2007.
It has been established that more women in provinces are unaware of
legislation and accessing of constitutional rights that protect them. Thus it
is important for the CGE to centre Women's Month celebrations on the rights of
women at the coalface.
The celebrations run from 2 to 31 August 2007, and the full Provincial
Calendar of Events is available on http://www.cge.org.za.
The highlights are:
KwaZulu-Natal: In partnership with the South African Human Rights Commission
(SAHRC), Office of the Public Protector and Association for Rural Advancement
(Afra) will host 'Open Day' activities where organisations and service
providers will be available to receive complaints on women's issues and offer
services, advice and support in addressing those issues.
Western Cape: The focus of August month is on the establishment of the
Provincial Gender Machinery (PGM). Since March 2005 the CGE in partnership with
the Office of the Premier have had numerous working sessions on the roles and
functions of the Gender Machinery and have conducted broad consultations with
the Civil Society and Local Government (this included rural and urban areas) in
integrating these structures in the PGM.
Based on the needs of these components as well as work undertaken with the
other components, namely government and parliament, since 2005, the following
activities are to be conducted in August Month. This is aimed at bringing the
four (4) components together in a structured forum that is aligned with the
National Gender Framework Policy.
Gauteng: The focus during the said month will be on road shows aimed at
mapping out a structured way-forward for an office that is aligned with the CGE
Act and the National Gender Framework Policy. The road shows will specifically
help to:
* popularise the CGE newly established provincial office
* raise awareness in terms of the CGE's roles and functions
* identify needs and determine priorities of Women in the Province
* improve effectiveness of Provincial co-ordination and to strengthen existing
gender structures.
Eastern Cape: In a collaborative effort, Province-based office of the CGE,
Office of the Public Protector and the South African Human Rights Commission
(SAHRC) will conduct joint workshops on the mandates of each Chapter 9
institution and avail their respective personnel to receive complaints from the
public on violation of their rights. The information sessions will target 200
participants to speak out against gender-based violence.
The CGE endorses the commemorative day and month under the national banner
of 'Emancipation, Empowerment, Equality and Eradication of Poverty' and sends a
reminder of the contribution women have made to society, and the difficulties
and successes they continue to encounter in securing their rights.
Enquiries:
Yvonne Mogadime
CGE Communications
Tel: 011 403 7182
Fax: 011 403 7188
Cell: 082 807 1767
E-mail: yvonne@cge.org.za
Issued by: Commission on Gender Equality
8 August 2007
Source: Commission on Gender Equality (http://www.cge.org.za/)
