Cape Town – Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga launched the National Women’s Month last week with a speech celebrating the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy towards Women’s Development.”
Speaking at Tshedimosetso House in Pretoria on Thursday, Chikunga said that this year’s observance serves both as a recognition of the progress achieved over the past thirty years and an opportunity for reflection and ongoing dedication to gender equality.
“August has long been a month of reflection and tribute to the invaluable roles women have played in the fight against discrimination and exploitation,” the minister said.
She also highlighted the progress made over the past 30 years in gender equality, noting increases in women’s representation in Parliament and senior management, and their higher graduation rates compared to men.
Minister for the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) Sindisiwe Chikunga – addresses the media at GCIS for the Women’s Month campaign under the theme “Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women’s Development” #Economy4Women#WomenEconomicPower pic.twitter.com/ye4QFtrM3Y
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) August 1, 2024
The 30-Year Review Report highlights the advancements in women’s empowerment, particularly noting the rise in women’s representation in Parliament from 28% in 1994 to 45% in 2019.
“Similarly, their presence in senior management roles rose from 20% in 2001 to 36% in 2021. Furthermore, as of 2017, women accounted for approximately 61.5% of university graduates, surpassing their male counterparts,” said Chikunga.
Despite these gains, Chikunga, however, emphasised the need for further advancement, especially in combating gender-based violence and femicide.
Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has launched Women’s Month in Pretoria. The month will be commemorated under the theme “Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women’s Development.” #WomensMonth2024 pic.twitter.com/kIEJBpjW8B
— newsnote (@newsnote_rsa) August 1, 2024
She also noted milestones like the 101st anniversary of women in the legal profession and praised achievements such as Tatjana Smith’s gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Chikunga raised concerns about the increasing incidents of extortion and fraud targeting employed women, urging them to protect themselves against these threats.
“We alert South African women not to be victims of such extortion and fraud,” she said.
CHIKUNGA: FOREIGN MEN ARE CROOKS
Minister of People with Disability, Sindisiwe Chikunga has warned SA women about foreign men who take advantage of them.
The minister was referring to cases of professional women who were scammed out of their pension payouts by foreign men. pic.twitter.com/niZFyJgx4z— Dudula News (@PatrioticMedia1) August 2, 2024
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
