Source: South African Government
Over 250 women from various walks of life participated in this year's successful two-day Women's Parliament in Cape Town which ended last Friday.
Deputy Speaker of National Assembly, Nomaindia Mfeketo told the audience that "We must never forget that we are representing the disempowered women who seek better outcomes for themselves and their communities. In particular, we must give recognition to the challenges faced by the rural poor."
Women's Parliament is a flagship Sectoral programme aimed at deepening democracy. It does this by providing women with an opportunity to participate in the affairs of their Parliament and to influence the processes of the institution around their specific concerns.
The event, held on 30 to 31 August, saw women from various civil society organisations including the Progressive Women's Movement of South Africa, the Commission for Gender Equality, female Members of Parliament and Cabinet Ministers participating in the discussions.
The topics for the event were:
The Traditional Courts Bill and its implications for women,
Women's Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill and
Total participation and involvement of Women in the Mainstream Economy
The event's theme was "Mainstreaming gender equality in all sectors of the South African society."
Former Deputy President of South Africa and former Speaker of National Assembly Ms Baleka Mbete delivered the keynote address and presenters on the topics included, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mr Jeff Radebe, Minister of Economic Development Mr Ebrahim Patel and Minister of Women, Children and People with Disability, Ms Lulu Xingwana.
Following robust engagements, below is a list of some of the resolutions taken in relation to the topics:
1. Traditional Courts Bill and its implications for women
Women unanimously agreed that they could not support the Bill in its current form.
Many called for the total scrapping of the Bill, but it was noted and acknowledged that this would further prejudice the position of many women who are affected by the current situation in areas they are subject to the jurisdiction of the traditional courts. For this reason, it was felt that the Bill should not be scrapped, but rather, it should be more inclusive of women in terms of consultation on the Bill and that women should truly participate in shaping it to their benefit, in languages they understand. Full public participation should take place to empower women in the final outcome of the Bill.
2. Women's empowerment and Gender Equality Bill
The Bill must ensure that public representation in all spheres of government reflect a 50% representation of women
Legislative arms of the State and all other relevant organs should ensure compliance with the legislation
There must be an annual progress report from the various companies in SA on gender representation
In processing the Bill, ensure the protection of marginalised women.
The Act must provide for sanctions for non-compliance.
Bill must be well publicised in rural communities and should be translated into languages that they understand.
3. Total participation and involvement of women in the mainstream economy
More land should be made available to women for agricultural activities and economic opportunities for women should be expanded so that they are able to market and export their products. Easy access to funding of women programmes should be facilitated.
Legislation that is biased towards the development of women businesses should be enacted for preferential procurement, to protect, facilitate and encourage women to participate in economic activities.
All stakeholders should take appropriate measures to support and mentor the child so that they can sustain their academic progress and be retained by the school system.
Support and promotion of people with disabilities, especially women should be intensified.