As Women’s Month commences in South Africa, a potent call to action echoes across the nation. Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, has urged all sectors of society to collaborate in the fight against the pervasive issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide. This year’s commemoration falls under the impactful theme: “Accelerate Action: Rights, Equality, Empowerment for all Women and Girls,” marking an appeal for urgent strategies to foster change.
Chikunga’s impassioned address took place at the official launch ceremony held at the Sandton Convention Centre, where she reminded the audience of the historical significance of Women’s Day, observed annually on 9 August. This day commemorates the courageous march of over 20,000 women to the Union Buildings in 1956, who protested against the extension of Pass Laws targeting women.
“Another month of celebrating women cannot go by without yielding results and ensuring the safety of women,” Chikunga declared. Her emphasis on the necessity of women’s empowerment resonates as she pointed to the steady advancements made over the years. Notably, she asserted that women must be afforded equal opportunities parallel to their male peers.
“We want to see women having access to financing, markets, access to land and having access to other assets. They have to be included. We invite the private sector to partner with us,” she urged, highlighting the critical role that collaboration plays in fostering women’s growth and security.
Notably, the minister did not shy away from addressing the grim reality faced by many young women in the labour sphere. She condemned the sexual exploitation that continues to plague these individuals, asserting concern for the increasing number of young women victimised into compromising situations in exchange for job access. “We must work together to protect those who fall victim to this practice and report such cases,” she implored.
Furthermore, Chikunga pledged her commitment to developing a socio-economic empowerment index, a tool that will systematically monitor the effectiveness of women’s empowerment programmes. “This index will be crucial in tracking our progress across various sectors and ensuring that our efforts result in substantive change,” she added, reinforcing the government’s dedication to supporting women in building a brighter future.
