TZANEEN (Limpopo, South Africa), Aug 10 (NNN-SANEWS) — President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to accelerate efforts to empower women economically and tackle the complex barriers such as poverty, inequality and unemployment that continue to hinder their development.
Speaking at the National Women’s Day commemoration at Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen, Limpopo, on Saturday. Ramaphosa saluted the achievements of South African women over the years, including their pivotal role in transforming the nation and contributing to socio-economic development.
“This celebration is also a clarion call to accelerate the role of women in the economy and empower them, as well as tackle the complex barriers, which hinder their development,” he said.
The President highlighted government measures to increase women’s participation in the workforce, bridge the gender pay gap, and greater inclusion in every sector of the economy, including leadership positions.
“Over a quarter of top managers in the private sector are women. Today, South Africa ranks second out of the G20 countries in terms of female representation. Forty-two per cent of Members of Parliament are women, this is higher than a number of developed countries,” the President said.
While acknowledging this progress, the President emphasised that “it is not enough, [and] we cannot rest until we have achieved gender equality throughout society.” and called for renewed commitment to achieving full gender equality across society.”
He said women in South Africa today, continue to reap the benefits of the changes that were ushered in through the brave actions of the women of 1956.
The President also noted government’s achievements, including accelerated access to basic services, social welfare, and economic opportunities for women, lifting millions out of absolute poverty.
“The Employment Equity Act and other progressive laws have paved the way for more equitable representation of women in the economy – and by this one must add all women, whether they are Black or White.
“The proportion of women in the workforce has been increasing. The empowerment of women contributes to sustainable development, inclusive growth, and the cultivation of resilient communities.
“About 40 percent of preferential procurement in the public sector is awarded to women-owned businesses. Women-owned SMMEs are also supported through the National Empowerment Fund, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency, and National Infrastructure Fund,” the President highlighted.
In her opening remarks, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga encouraged women to continue to march for their rights like the 1956 women who marched to the Union Buildings, with a focus on tackling gender-based violence and Femicide (GBVF).
“The march must continue till we are free. We still live in a society, where there are women trapped in abusive relationships,” Chikunga said.
Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba, called on women to establish themselves and carry each other’s problems.
Women are resilient and capable. We must be given opportunities to empower ourselves,” she said.
She also urged women who are trapped in abusive relationships to seek help.
For many women in Limpopo, the day symbolised liberation from many social ills.
Mandy Shikwambana, from Giyani, told SAnews that government must ensure protection of women and ensure that they live freely without been abused by their partners.
“Women are the cornerstone of every nation and yet they are oppressed by their partners. Government must ensure that women are protected,” Shikwambana said.
Another resident, Precious Ralikgo called on government to continue to educate women about their rights.
“There are many women who are being abused by their partners, but they do not know where to go for help. Those men who abuse women must go to jail — that is the only way to end violence against women and children,” Ralikgo said.
Every year on Aug 9, South Africans from diverse backgrounds, races, and cultural groups come together to celebrate National Women’s Day.
On Aug 9, 1956, a significant number of women launched a campaign aimed at ending the pass laws imposed by the government at that time.
This year’s commemoration is held under the theme: ’Building Resilient Economies for All’. — NNN-SANEWS
