Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa says the government is taking steps to strengthen laws related to gender-based violence.
Speaking during a Women’s Day event in Pretoria, Ramaphosa said that serial rapists will now be subject to life imprisonment.
Additionally, he revealed that starting this month, individuals charged with rape will no longer be granted police bail without going through a formal court application process.
“We are also piloting a system in a number of provinces that will enable victims of domestic violence to apply for protection orders online, where you can go online and apply for a protection order against anyone who is abusing you,” EWN quoted Ramaphosa as saying.
Accelerating socio-economic opportunities for empowerment of women #WomensDay #LeaveNoOneBehind 🇿🇦 https://t.co/vYXQOZ1lc9
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 9, 2023
The president also emphasised the significance of women’s presence in key domains like education, governance, the judiciary, and the armed forces.
He underscored the significance of women’s well-being and economic engagement, advocating for a legislation in South Africa that would prohibit gender-based wage disparity for identical roles.
“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.
Address by President @CyrilRamaphosa on the occasion of Women’s Day, Union Buildings, Tshwane. https://t.co/BteBaeynNW#WomensDay #WomensDay2023 #LeaveNoOneBehind pic.twitter.com/mU85SRrMqx
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) August 9, 2023
“Even today, nearly three decades after the dawn of democracy, the face of poverty is a black women.
“The emancipation of women therefore cannot be achieved without economic empowerment.
“Women must also be breadwinners. They must have equal job opportunities and equal pay. They must be able to start, own and manage businesses.
“Women need to have the financial security and independence to have control over their lives.
“That is why we have prioritised investment in women’s economic empowerment,” Ramaphosa said.
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Picture: Twitter/@PresidencyZA
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
