Despite strides made, we need to do much more to achieve a society of true gender equality – Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the official Women’s Day event in Pretoria, where he assured women that government is irrevocably committed to continuing the process of advancing and improving the lives of the women and girls of South Africa.

“We call upon other key role players who control resources and can open opportunities for women to do so. Business is well placed to play a key role in this process of helping to improve the lives of the women of South Africa. As a country we have come a long way in advancing the rights and freedoms of women.”

Ramaphosa pointed out that there are a number of things we should do and continue doing together.

He said some of them are: Increase the representation of women in all structures that affect our lives as South Africans; there must be policies and laws that focus and advance the lives of women. Our laws and policies must have a bias towards improving the lives of women; our education must prioritise the advancement of women; the health of women must be a key priority; the participation of women in our economy must be improved.

“Our economy remains dominated by men. More women are unemployed than men. Women are more likely to work part-time, unskilled and semi-skilled jobs and for lower pay.

“Women are disproportionately responsible for unpaid care work. As a result of all these factors, women are more vulnerable to poverty, food insecurity and hunger.

“Even today, nearly three decades after the dawn of democracy, the face of poverty is a black woman. The emancipation of women therefore cannot be achieved without economic empowerment.

“Today, all the women of South Africa, whether they are black, white, Indian or coloured, have freedom and equal rights thanks to the bravery, activism and sacrifices of the generation of 1956.
“Thanks to the struggles of women over the generations, all South African women have the right to vote, the right to work, the right to have control over their bodies, the right to property, to equality.”

“Despite hardship, deprivation and many difficulties, South African women continue to stand strong. They bring up children, many of them as single parents. They run businesses, earn a living, learn skills, raise families, lead organisations and hold public office.

“Even when opportunities are difficult to come by, South African women do not give up, running informal business, looking for work, providing care and being active in communities.

“In every part of this country, women are taking charge of their destinies, inspiring others and driving change.

“They are excelling in areas once closed to women; as engineers, scientists, managers, pilots, farmers, judges, magistrates, athletes, marine pilots, and soldiers.

“Women are the strength of our nation. Women carry our nation. Women prepare the next generation for a better future.”

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