ANC celebrates female leaders

SUCCESS: BUT FEMICIDE, RAPE ‘MADE YEAR DIFFICULT’

Party asks people to rededicate themselves to vision of gallant women of ’56.

The ANC yesterday said it was celebrating women who were providing leadership in various fields, including education, health, science, technology, aviation, business, public service, media and across civil society formations.

“The African National Congress joins the men and women of South African in commemorating National Women’s Day,” said ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa.

“This day affords us an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the significant role that women have played in the South African struggle for liberation and development.

“Today, we have women representation across all sectors of society.

“This day is a hard-won victory for South Africa and for the many women who sacrificed their lives and fought against the subjugation of women. As we celebrate the huge strides that have been made, we must recognise the challenges that women continue to face, including patriarchy, sexism, violence and discrimination.

“As we use today as an opportunity to reflect on strides we have made as a nation to advance women struggles, it equally affords us an opportunity to look at what needs to be done to protect and empower women.”

Kodwa said the ANC would “actively work to improve women’s access to economic opportunities and in particular, business financing and credit so that women can pursue business opportunities in all areas”.

He said it remained a collective responsibility to ensure that women are equally represented in the economy and receive equal pay.

“The year 2017 has been a difficult year. We have witnessed brutal killings of women and children. As a country, we need to redouble our efforts and ensure that women are not exposed to harassment and discrimination.

“We must affirm the freedom of women and engage in campaigns that involve communities in the prevention of femicide and rape. We have full confidence in the justice system; that they will do what is necessary to deal with gender-based violence.”

The ANC called on all South Africans “to mark this day” by rededicating themselves to the “realisation of the vision of those gallant women of 1956 who sought a country where they had equal opportunities, felt safe and could contribute as equals in our country’s development”. – ANA