Pretoria - South Africa today joins the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day.
The day is observed annually on 8 March. It was declared by the United Nations as a day to reflect on progress made, to call for change and celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
The 2016 theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality’.
The idea of this theme is to consider how to accelerate the UN 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal number 4 (Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning) and 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls).
South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Nomaindia Mfeketo and Human Settlements Deputy Minister Zou Kota-Fredericks will visit Joe Slovo Park in the Western Cape today.
The Deputy Ministers will be accompanied by women activists, who were involved in organising the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings.
“The event seeks to celebrate women who endeavour to build institutions, systems and processes that promote and protect democracy and good governance, business and human rights, with the main focus on women’s rights and the protection of children,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said on Monday.
The Deputy Ministers will encourage women to work towards the African Union’s Agenda 2063, with a strong emphasis on creating an Africa whose development is people driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially women and youth. – SAnews.gov.za
