Celebrating women in environment sector

Monday, August 17, 2015

Pretoria - The Department of Environmental Affairs will today host a Women and Environment Dialogue which will take stock of the environment sector’s gender mainstreaming progress.

The dialogue will look at  successes and challenges thus far and agree on the next decade's priorities and opportunities.

The two-day dialogue, being held in Pretoria, is part of the Women’s Month commemoration.

Environmental Affairs Deputy Minister Barbara Thomson will officially open the dialogue under the theme “Role of Women in Accelerating a Transition towards a green economy”.

During her opening address, the Deputy Minister will reflect on the achievements and progress of the environment sector gender initiatives.

Since 1994, South Africa has made significant strides in ensuring gender mainstreaming and the inclusion of women in key decision making processes.

The National Environmental Management Act makes it clear that the vital role of women and youth in environmental management and development must be recognised and their full participation must be promoted.

The 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development also recognised the importance of gender equality in all efforts to achieve environmental sustainability. – SAnews.gov.za