Pretoria - Cabinet says it will use the remainder of Women’s Month to profile women achievers and their participation in the economy, especially in areas where they are under-represented.
This will happen through platforms such as the Women in Science Awards to be held on 13 August and Women in Water and Sanitation Awards on 23 August.
South Africa is currently commemorating Women’s Month as a tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of pass laws to women.
The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Women United in Moving South Africa Forward”.
Thousands of women on Women’s Day on 9 August gathered at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Sasolburg to recognize the important role that political activism by women played during the struggle for liberation against colonialism and apartheid.
To continue in the same spirit, Cabinet has called on all sectors of society to sustain the theme of Women’s Month.
“To continue working towards ensuring that all women, particularly the girl child, are empowered and freed from societal prejudices so that we can address gender equality in the country,” Cabinet said on Thursday after their meeting.
As part of the month long programme, President Jacob Zuma released a first-of-its-kind report on the Status of Women in South Africa.
The report - compiled by the Department of Women after hosting dialogues across the country - notes the great strides made in the country since 1994 to improve the status of women.
“This report serves as a baseline document for the promotion of women’s socio-economic empowerment, gender equality and human rights,” said Cabinet. - SAnews.gov.za
