women march for equal rights

MBOMBELA – Traffic and bystanders watched in disbelief as the streets of the town were painted with maroon berets and green caps as women from the Defence Force, Correctional Services and SAPS marched in the streets to raise awareness on women empowerment and gender equality.

The event, attended by a throng of women from Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West province, marched and mingled with taxi drivers in town where condoms were also distributed.

They carried placards with many slogans including: “Real men don’t rape”, “No struggle can ever succeed without women participating side by side with men”,

“Where are real men who will respect women and stop abusing us”, “Women are the mothers of the nation”, “Nothing can stop me from getting education”, “Let true men stand up, fight and fight for our women”, ” Together we can stop abuse”, “Empower women and end poverty and hunger”.

The event was also marked with the celebration of the women of 1956 who marched to the Union Building against the oppressive pass laws.

A real woman was described as “the one who gives without limit, empowers others and helps those who need her help without discriminating.”

Speaker after speaker echoed each others’ views on the capabilities of women in the country, “We are capable and can contribute immensely to the development of this country.

We are worthy partners and not adversaries to our male counterparts. Together we can correct the social ills that women are currently subjected to,” said a speaker.

They also agreed that the next president of the country should be a woman to show that females are capable of doing more and better.

Ms Sharon Kunene, the acting regional commissioner of correctional services, outlined the year’s theme as a “Centenary of working together towards sustainable women empowerment and gender equality”.

“There is a need to empower women and to contribute to the progressive future of women. We have to make life pleasant for all officials in the department as per announcement by the Minister Sbu Ndebele. We need 50/50 representation in all levels.

This is currently not happening at our department for instance we have seven male directors and I am the only female at our level,” she said.

She added that statistics show that there were 56% males to 44% females at deputy level, 68% males to 32% females in entrance level.
Kunene also urged women to further their studies and equip themselves with many skills.

“Develop yourselves as women, read, study and teach your children the values of being educated and of being a woman.
“We will still fight in a professional manner to be recognized at personal and organizational levels,” she added.

The officials were addressed by the MEC of economic affairs and tourism, Ms Pinky Phosa and the MEC of sports culture and recreation, Ms Sibongile Manana.

It was heard that women form 1,3 billion of the world’s population and yet still receive about 30% to 40% less pay than their male counterparts.

“Let’s bring about this change, we want to get the same salary for the same work we are doing with our male counterparts. We reject any form of violence against women and children, its so barbaric and men must stop that,” she continued.

Phosa said government must start programs proposed for the sustainable progress of women, she urged communities to form street committees to ensure the safety of women and children and fight crime.

She also called on the community to work together in ensuring a complete end of any form of violation and abuse against women.

Phosa called on women prayer groups to adopt August 29 as a prayer day to pray for the repentance of all men.
Manana talked at length on emotional abuse and the need of women to support one another at all times.

She also urged parents to invest in the education of their daughters especially in furthering studies in scares skills such as engineering, artisans etc.
Pastors preached and prayed for the success of women in the community