Make men part of the solution
This week our esteemed guest columnist is none other than Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe
Growing up in Soweto, I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged me to be the best that I could be. My father’s encouraging words, and the sacrifices he made for my dreams, influenced my life.
As a child, I proudly watched my dad sew the hem of my school uniform, spread butter on my bread, and drive my siblings and I to school. My mother, a nursing sister at Baragwanath Hospital, would have been dropped off at the hospital earlier. I ended up following in her footsteps and studying medicine.
From my perspective, creating a culture of ambitious and strong-willed women requires solidarity among women, and especially the inclusion of men. From my childhood experiences I recog- nise that our existence is interdependent.
Disheartening research from the South African Institute of Race Relations found that almost half of South Africa’s children are growing up with absent fathers.
Our children need parents, and particularly fatherly men, who take on the responsibility of providing the necessary support.
What is needed is political will; men and women who are sensitive to and committed to promoting gender equality for the overall benefit of society.
Women empowerment, and the promotion of women to leadership positions, does not mean disempowering men. It should also not mean ticking a box without power transfers.