Pretoria - The Department of Women has allayed concerns on reports about talks in the Portfolio Committee on Women in the Presidency to withdraw the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality (WEGE) Bill.
This follows a portfolio committee briefing on the ministry’s Annual Performance Plan 2014/15 and its budget. The briefing, held on 1 July 2014, was led by Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Women, Susan Shabangu.
Department spokesperson Kenosi Machepae said Minister Shabangu informed the committee that the WEGE Bill will have to be reviewed, as the National Council of Provinces had adopted the bill with amendments.
“The review process would allow the Department of Women to further consult with stakeholders,” Machepae explained.
The WEGE Bill was approved in March this year. It pushes for the gradual realisation of at least 50% representation of women in decision making structures. – SAnews.gov.za
