Women moving South Africa forward
Government commends South Africans for showing unity in celebrating the 2016 Women’s Month which also marked the 60th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March. Women from across the country, black and white, across culture and religion, workers, employers, entrepreneurs, professional women, young and old, united to tell Herstory of years gone by and create Herstory going forward.
South Africa will always be indebted to the women who participated in the 1956 march. It is due to the sacrifices of many unsung heroes and heroines that we now live in a country governed by a Constitution which recognises women as equal citizens, with equal rights and responsibilities.
The 60th Anniversary celebration was marked by a massive parade of women from various sectors, moving from the Lillian Ngoyi Square to the Union Buildings, symbolically following the footsteps of the 1956 women’s march.
During the 60th Anniversary celebration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, President Zuma emphasised that government continues to improve the lives of the people and will not rest until decent basic services reach everyone especially women.
Government and our stakeholders held many events in celebration of Women’s Month. Amongst these was the launch of the Women’s Living Heritage Monument at Lillian Ngoyi Square by President Zuma. The monument tells the story of women’s contribution to the liberation struggles and will be officially opened to the public on the 8th of March 2017.
The “TellHerStory” Twitter hashtag was a great success and highlights government’s commitment to create platforms that promote dialogue amongst not only women but all South Africans. Through this platform, women, young and old shared their personal inspirational stories aimed at uplifting and encouraging others. The Director General of the Department of Women Ms Jenny Schreiner hopes that women will continue to tell Herstory each day.
Women’s Month enables us to review progress made in addressing gender disparities. Significant progress has been made in ensuring that women enjoy the same rights as their male counterparts in relation to education, employment, property, inheritance and justice.
“Women and gender transformation issues are at the centre of the government agenda throughout the year and not just a focus for one month,” said Ms Jenny Schreiner, the Director-General of the Department of Women.
She added that “Many women are heads of households and breadwinners. It is therefore encouraging to note that participation of women in the economy continues to grow. Women now occupy a more significant number of key leadership positions than previously, both in government and private sector”.
Women’s month has seen many government departments and enterprises celebrating women’s excellence – Women in business, in the media, women in science, and we salute in particular the young black women who have emerged with power in these processes. Young black women are beginning to get the recognition they deserve in areas previously dominated by men.
“Much has been achieved and much still needs to be done. As we close the 2016 Women’s Month, let us continue to act as women united in moving women’s empowerment and South Africa forward,” said Ms Schreiner.
Enquiries:
Madichaba Milosevic
Cell: 074 588 5723
Tel: 012 359 0224
