Women's rights, SA's development
4 August 2003

 

 South Africa is celebrating National Women's Month

SA's Women of the Year 2003


Deputy Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Cheryl Gillwald officially launched Women's Month on Friday, telling journalists at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria that the promotion and protection of women's rights "has become integral to the long-term development of South Africa and her people".
Women's Month celebrates the contribution of women to South Africa's liberation struggle, especially the protest by women against apartheid pass laws on 9 August 1955, when about 20 000 women marched to Pretoria in protest against laws governing black women's - and men's - movement around the country.
August 9 has since been declared a national holiday, and Women's Day is celebrated on this date every year.
The theme of Women's Month 2003 is "celebrating women's achievements and rolling back the frontiers of poverty". Provinces and municipalities throughout the country will be holding Women’s Month events, while government departments and civil society organisations will intensify community outreach campaigns on issues affecting women and children.
There will also be a focus on the marginalisation of women in the workplace and society in general, and on sexual harassment and violence against women and children.

"Women's rights are human rights", Gillwald said on Friday. "The development of Africa's women is essential for the successful and sustainable development of our continent."
Among the events planned for the month, the National Prosecuting Authority will on 6 August honour women in the following categories: best woman performer, best woman communicator, and best conflict negotiator.
The month will culminate with the Izingxoxo za Makhosikazi (Women Talks) conference, to be held in the Western Cape on 26-27 August. At the conference, women will discuss issues relating to their rights, poverty, gender-based violence, women in leadership and women in the running of the economy.
At the end of the conference, a report listing the needs of women in South Africa will be compiled and presented to the government.
Source: BuaNews


 


National Women's Month [click on Programme link to view the programme]
National Women's Month
- Programme [PDF] -
Aug 2003