Vulnerable girls must not become a future lost generation

SINCE the dawn of the democratic dispensation, South Africa introduced progressive policies and established the Ministry for Women to ensure that women are significantly empowered to play more meaningful roles in various spheres of life. To this end the Gauteng government ensured that women occupy leadership positions in the legislature and other sectors previously dominated by men.

Thus, as we pay tribute to women who marched to the Union Buildings on August 9 1956 and celebrate the 60th anniversary of this historic moment, there is a need to ensure that young women’s socioeconomic needs are at the centre of the national dialogue.

History is replete with evidence which illustrates that, in the long run, the aspirations and tribulations of young and older generations are not inseparable.

It is crucial that we nurture young female entrepreneurs on the receiving end of chronic inequality, unemployment and poverty, owing to a lack of adequate education and economic opportunities.

Redesigning and strengthening education and training would enable us to identify problems faced by this cohort of young vulnerable women, as we seek permanent solutions to their difficulties.

We need to meet their needs as we combat multiple social ills which manifest themselves in such ways as the tragic habit of “blessers” and “blessees”, among others.

We condemn all these social ills and call upon young women to empower and “bless” themselves. We are both morally and politically bound to free them from dehumanising conditions and standards of living. We must all rise against and condemn social ills in the strongest possible terms and take appropriate action.

There has never been a more urgent time for action. Our initiatives should be deeply rooted in ensuring that young girls are not constrained by the conditions which undermine their potential, and limit their options to make meaningful life choices so they are prepared for a life with dignity and productivity. We have to make sure they confidently and easily access comprehensive services aimed at ensuring they lead a life free of economic exploitation and social degradation.

We must strive for these noble ideals to enable young women to have a head-start in life to ensure they do not run the risk of becoming the next generation of disadvantaged women.

Not only would our shared vision improve their living conditions and standing in society, but also serve as a catalyst and “game changer” of the right to a future with dignity in keeping with our constitution.

To date the fifth Gauteng government has created enormous opportunities through Tshepo 500 000 initiatives, intended to give young people hope and to restore dignity, which exclusively focused on promoting the welfare of young women. We created 62 420 job opportunities; provided accreditation to 572 businesses in different economic sectors, and supported and funded 1 395 women-owned and managed businesses, among others.

Geraldine Terry, a researcher at Oxfam, in the book echoes the above. “… women who have received quality education … are more likely to achieve their economic rights by getting decent jobs, running their own businesses and being able to deal with money…” We must ensure that the transformation of society, especially wealthcreation, is fast-tracked and within the reach of ordinary young women.

“We need to combat social ills such as tragic habit of ’blessers’