Womens Month 2024

·         The heroic women of 1956 and countless others paved the way for gender equality and empowerment in a democratic South Africa.

·         Their brave actions inspired women to take their rightful place in Parliament, government and civil society.

·         Through their sacrifices, we now live in a more equitable and prosperous South Africa, where women’s excellence is not only acknowledged but also actively encouraged.

·         We honour those who fought for the socio-economic rights of women and people with disabilities.

·         It will also focus on agriculture, manufacturing, trade, tourism, energy, waste management and technology, in narrowing gender disparities.

·         Activities for the month include a trade expo, which enables women to expand their reach as they exhibit their businesses.

·         The celebration of Women in Print series will be launched during Women’s Month and live streamed across several countries in Africa, indicating the role of women in this industry.

·         A number of interactive women’s dialogues such as creating a gender responsive economy are planned in the lead up to Women’s Day.

·         Through our Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme workshops we are equipping women traders with skills, tools and resources for business.

·         Programmes on women and waste management and the Green Economy, as part of the District Development Model, are helping women explore new areas of business.

·         The promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment is central to our efforts to combat poverty and stimulate sustainable development.

·         Formal employment for women is facilitated through the Employment Equity Act where employers are legally required to work towards more equitable representation based on gender, race and disability.

·         Our Gender Equality Bill was introduced to accelerate the empowerment of women and attain 50/50 gender parity for the country.

·         We are drawing more women into the economy through our 40% preferential procurement in the public sector awarded to women-owned businesses.

·         Women-owned SMMEs are supported through the National Empowerment Fund, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency and National Infrastructure Fund.

·         We are working hard to put an end to the scourge of GBVF through various legislation and programmes.

·         In 2022, President Ramaphosa signed into law the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill; the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill, and the Domestic Violence Amendment Bill.

·         This was a step forward to ending GBVF and ensuring a victim centred approach in dealing with such cases.

·         In May 2024, the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill and National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill was signed into law, enhancing the protection of women and children.

·         Government has also increased the number of sexual offences courts and various specialised units within the SAPS are committed to the fight against GBVF.

·         R21 Billion was dedicated to the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, which includes women’s economic empowerment, psychological support, legal reforms and provision of evidence kits at police stations.

·         Ending the scourge of GBVF requires the efforts of government, private sector, civil society and every member of society.

·         It is the responsibility of all South Africans to end the culture of silence around gender-based violence and protect the women and children in our midst.

·         Citizens are urged to report perpetrators of abuse and GBVF to the police or seek assistance from the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428.

·         Survivors of GBVF can also seek assistance through the various Thuthuzela Care Centres and Khuseleka Care Centres that are available throughout the nation.