Pretoria – Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi has called on young women to take advantage of opportunities as government seeks to radically transform South Africa’s economy.
“We have reached a stage whereby women have to empower themselves and thrive in a variety of fields across our economic landscape. The future of our country is in their hands,” Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi said.
She was speaking at the Union Buildings, in Pretoria, on Thursday, at the launch of Women’s Month, which was launched under the theme “Women United in Moving South Africa Forward”.
This year marks 59 years since the 1956 Women’s march to the Union Buildings where women protested against the pass laws, which among other things, restricted their freedom of movement.
“We must afford young people opportunities to learn, acquire skills and contribute meaningfully to the development of our society,” Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi said.
She said she was proud that over the past 21 years, South Africa had increased the access of girls to education, initiated bursaries and training programmes for young women as well as allocated funds for women entrepreneurs.
“Women must continue to play a lead role in eradicating poverty and stimulating sustainable development of our economy,” Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi said.
She said it is encouraging to witness the emancipation of women across the continent.
“The fact that the incumbent chair of the African Union (AU) Commission Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is a woman is a source of inspiration to women across the continent,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
