Pretoria - Deputy Minister of Communications Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has challenged young women to become agents of change and boldly claim their space in the economy.
“We must become the change we want to see, we must boldly declare and by implication ensure that no women or girl suffers abuse. We must stand up for our rights, which are protected in law and in the Constitution,” said Deputy Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams.
She was addressing young matric learners at a Thalita Koum Girls Network held at Moses Mabotha Hall in Fetakgomo Municipality, Limpopo.
Thalita Koum, which means “Little girl, get up”, is a girl’s network that was established to empower young women in Limpopo. The organisation inspires young women to unlock the greatness which lies within.
The Deputy Minister said government knows the daily realities that many ordinary South Africans face are complex and may involve making difficult decisions.
“A young woman faced with the choice between letting her family starve or acceding to coerced sex for money from an older man is faced with no choice at all. Together we must build strong families and communities that protect and nurture young girls and women,” she said.
Our interventions, she added, must also address the myriad of social, economic and cultural factors that seek to deprive women of a sustainable future.
“For its part government has actively sought to promote women since 1994. The current administration has sought to ramp up initiatives to get more women into the economy.”
However, the Deputy Minister noted that government cannot do it alone and needed the help of all South Africans and organisations like Thalita Koum, which dare to dream of and are actively working towards a better tomorrow.
“When women are united we are like an unstoppable force, united we can ensure that women and child abuse ends with this generation. United we can ensure that women enjoy all the rights and privileges ensured by our democracy. United we can ensure that women take their place in every sphere of society,” Deputy Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams said.
She also encouraged learners to keep working hard until the very last day of matric exams.
“Pay attention in class and listen to your teachers as they will guide you along this final leg of your school journey. Most importantly never give up or lose hope,” the Deputy Minister told learners. – SAnews.gov.za
