President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on men to respect, protect women and help them to prosper in their journeys.
Ramaphosa was speaking at the National Women’s Day commemoration at Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen, Limpopo, on Saturday.
The commemoration was attended by several cabinet ministers, thousands of women and other stakeholders.
“Real men do not abuse women. Real men do not rape women. Real men do not kill women.”
“Let us strive to be a society where we teach young boys that women are to be protected, and respected, and not abused. A society where men and boys understand the meaning of consent in sexual relationships,” said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa bemoaned the high increasing numbers of gender-based violence and children abuse in the country, describing them as a pandemic that would not go away.
“The greatest challenge we face in this country is the pandemic of violence against women and children. We condemn the many high cases of gender-based violence and femicide recorded in our nation. Ending the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide requires the efforts of government, business, labour, civil society and every member of society. We must break the silence. This criminality thrives in a culture of silence,” explained the president.
He expressed optimism that the introduction of the new legislation will enhance the protection of women, children and strengthen the punishment of perpetrators.
The president called for accelerated inclusion of women in the economy, adding that these contribute to sustainable development, inclusive growth and the cultivation of resilient communities.
“As a government, we are committed to expanding economic opportunities for women through skills training, entrepreneurial support, access to funding and multi-sectoral partnerships to place women in key sectors of the economy.
“We also continue our work to increase the participation of women in sectors such as science, technology, engineering and maths, as well as the green economy and industrial sectors.
“As part of its effort to ensure inclusion of women in the economy of the country, Ramaphosa said the government has taken a bold decision to “increase women’s role in digital finance which includes digital banking, payments, access to finance and investments. president.”
Women’s Day pays tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women.
This year’s commemoration is held under the theme: ’Building Resilient Economies for All’.
