Day
7 March 2009
Since 1994, South Africa has taken giant steps to restore the dignity and
status of women in society. In our forward march towards the full emancipation
of the women of our country, we have passed new laws that protect and defend
the rights of women.
New policies and systems that address the issue of gender equality in all
aspects of South African life are also in place. Our country has ratified many
international conventions on the elimination of all forms of discrimination
against women, as a sign of our commitment to the practical realisation of
gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Since 2004, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has worked tirelessly
towards improving the circumstances in which women found themselves in the
province. In particular, we have placed emphasis on minimising unemployment and
the cultural-ideological problems facing women. The promotion and protection of
women's rights is being directed by the Office of the Premier through the
Office of the Status of Women. Our programmes involve growth and development
for women, eradication of women abuse and eradication of poverty and
unemployment.
The Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has four, out of ten, MECs
who are women. We have 16 provincial departments and eight of them are headed
by women. The participation of women in public affairs on the African continent
is as old as African civilisation itself, spanning thousands of years before
the birth of Christ. Egyptian queens, for instance, are believed to have
governed from as early as around 3 000 Before Christ (BC), of which the first
female ruler was Queen Ku-Baba who ruled the Mesopotamian City State of Ur
around 2500 BC.
Africa has been characterised by the emergence of women achievers who have
populated the historical landscape and excelled in their various roles. In
recent pre-colonial history there has been Queen Nandi, Queen Mmantantisi,
Queen Mthaniya and Princess Mkabayi. In fact, so influential was Princess
Mkabayi that during the reign of four Kings, King Senzangakhona, King Shaka,
King Dingane and King Mpande, the most famous phrase was: 'Buzani ku Mkabayi,'
meaning consult Mkabayi for any solution.
In recent liberation history Charlotte Maxeke, Margaret Mncadi, Dorothy
Nyembe and many others have demonstrated that the completion of Africa's
efforts at liberation happens with the entrance of women on stage. Therefore,
when government makes policies on gender and women empowerment issues, this is
not to introduce western ideals and value systems.
Women must play a leading role in the reconstruction of the nucleus of
families, in the recollection of family history, in ensuring that teaching and
learning takes place at all times during school hours, in educating others
about their basic human rights and in ensuring that elected representatives put
the development agenda at the forefront at community level. Women should
promote self-help and self-development projects at all times. Women should
continue to stand for peace, democracy and development.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Premier's Spokesperson
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
Cell: 083 644 4050
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
7 March 2009
