The department celebrated the International Day of Rural Development in Thaba Nchu
The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) once again joined the world in celebrating the International Day of Rural Women on 15 October 2018. The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Rural Women is celebrated annually on October 15, to recognise the role of rural women in supporting their communities.
This year, the International Day of Rural Women and World Food Day focus jointly on the theme: “Challenges and opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls”.
This celebration coincides with the departmental festivity under the theme: “Land, Our Heritage”.
The Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, accompanied by the Premier of Free State, Sisi Ntombela, kicked started the celebration with a visit to two women projects in Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu. The projects visited were Modulaqhowa and Kopanang Basadi.
In her address, the Minister said that Land Reform program remains key to provide access to land to the previously disadvantaged persons. “Women want access to land and we are here to fulfill that need,” said the Minister.
The Minister said that the department has played a key role to provide resources to support women’s empowerment and capacity building in agriculture across the country. “As government, we continue to play a role in adding impetus to open up opportunities for women to prosper and during this month of October, time must be taken to acknowledge and reflect on government programmes that play a role in advocating for rural women and girls’ emancipation,” said the Minister. As a department, we have supported these projects with implements. We have provided the Modulaqhowa with money for fencing and provided the project with our NARYSEC graduates to help the projects with skilled labour. As for Basadi Kopanang, the department has provided the project with sewing machines,” said the Minister.
The Minister handed over 12 Residential Title deeds to Premier to be handed to Mangaung Municipality and Land Title deeds to respective women for farming in the Free-State province. Minister Nkoana-Mashabane furthermore handed over implements to 50 beneficiaries as part of post-settlement support and recapitalisation or start-up for the respective projects to become productive and actively participate in the food security program.
The department, through its various programs and initiatives, strategically targets rural women for empowerment and beneficiation. The DRDLR recognises the rights of women and women with disabilities as fundamental human rights entrenched and protected by the constitution and is committed to address such issues inside and outside the department, particularly in rural areas. The department also seeks to involve these groups (designated groups) in all its activities to ensure that nothing is done without their knowledge and involvement. The department continues to improve its programs and policies to ensure that women in rural communities enjoy the benefits of service delivery and empowerment. It also recognises that a lot more has to be done.
“Rural women are key agents towards the achievement of rural economic transformation, environmental and social changes required for sustainable development. The world over, rural women play a role in food security and creating sustainable rural areas yet they do not have sufficient power to secure land in many instances or vital resources such as credit, inputs costs of farming, extension services, training and education,” concluded the minister.
Enquiries:
Ms Phuti Mabelebele - Director: Strategic Communications
Tel: +27 12 312 8909
Cell: 076 402 7521
Email: Phuti.Mabelebele@drdlr.gov.za.
