Pretoria – North West Premier Thandi Modise says equal rights and opportunities for women are crucial to building healthy economies and societies.
The premier’s comments come as the country joined the world in celebrating International Women’s Day on Saturday.
“Women's full and equal participation in the political and economic arena is crucial to democracy and justice, because equal rights and opportunity underpin healthy economies and societies,” she said in a statement.
Premier Modise said the celebration of International Women's Day should remind everyone that the mission of transforming South Africa fully and reversing the legacy of apartheid could not be done by government alone.
She said it was the responsibility of all South Africans, “black and white, rich and poor”.
She commended everyone who advocates for women's advancement.
"We thank and salute women's groups, churches, faith-based organisations and non-government organisations that have awoken to embrace our partnership to challenge the status quo for women's equality. Working together, we have done more and have a good story to tell," she said.
International Women's Day has been celebrated annually on March 8 since 1911. – SAnews.gov.za
