Johannesburg - To commemorate this year’s National Women’s Day, about 20 000 women from all nine provinces will take part in a historic rally to be held at the Harry Gwala Multipurpose Sports Centre in Zamdela, Sasolburg, in the Free State.
The rally, which is part of the build-up towards the 60th celebration of the 1956 Women’s March, will highlight the challenges that women continue to face, while taking stock of significant advances made since the dawn of democracy. And it will be celebrated under the theme Women United In Moving South Africa Forward.
On August 9, 1956, about 20 000 women of all races marched to the Union Buildings to protest against the discriminatory pass laws which had restricted the movement of black people in the country.
This march has been celebrated since 1995 as Women’s Day, to recognise the important and significant role that political activism by women played during the struggle.
As part of Women’s Day celebrations, President Jacob Zuma will release the first Status of Women Report at the rally.
It was compiled by the Department of Women after hosting dialogues between the months of March and June this year across the country, in a bid to assess the current status of women.
Following the demise of apartheid, South Africa moved towards the advancement of gender parity. This was affirmed by the recent Beijing +20 country report, which highlighted South Africa’s human rights-based legislative framework.
These include the institutional mechanisms put in place to promote women’s human rights, dignity empowerment, and gender equality; and the achievements in the representation of women in decision-making structures and processes, in both the public and private sectors.
Acting spokesperson of the cabinet Phumla Williams highlighted the fact that, over the years, great strides have been made to ensure that women enjoy the same rights as their male counterparts in relation to education, employment, property, inheritance and justice.
“Women now enjoy equal rights, as enshrined in the constitution. South African women have taken their rightful place in Parliament, government, the private sector and civil society,” Williams said.
She noted, however, that amidst the great achievements, women still face some challenges, such as remaining vulnerable to social risks such as violence, abuse and rape..
“Government is aware of the challenges, and will continue in its endeavour to protect the democracy and women’s rights that were built on the actions of the women of the liberation movement.
“Government has put in place legislation and policies to create an enabling environment for women, and to improve their participation in income-generating activities in the economy.”
Williams added that the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment was central to government’s efforts to combat poverty and stimulate sustainable development.
During the Month of August, a number of activities aimed at creating awareness and promoting understanding of women issues are being held throughout the country.
Government has encouraged business and civil society to work together to move women forward.
The Sunday Independent