Dlamini speaks out against patriarchy
The Minister of Women in the Presidency, Bathabile Dlamini, has spoken out against patriarchy in the ANC, saying current land ownership debates were shaped through the discussions among men.
Dlamini was speaking at the 16 days of activism campaign against violence towards women and children programme and the memorial lecture for Albertina Sisulu in Komani last Friday.
“This year’s campaign coincides with the centenary celebration of Mama Albertina Sisulu, a fearless champion of democracy and human rights.
“The centenary celebration is a year-long programme marked by a series of commemorative events and activities across the country to recall the profound contribution that she made to the struggle for the rights of people and the pioneering role she played in the struggle for the emancipation of women.”
The minister said women’s issues were constantly being shoved under the carpet because when they raised them, people would say they were political.
“We need to stay firm on who and what we are as women in this, the ANC, and the country at large. We need to support one another because we know and understand our own plight. We need not lose ourselves in the fight against partriachy, we should follow in the footsteps of the late struggle stalwart Sisulu. She fought against violence against women until her last days on Earth. She died for a good cause.”
Dlamini said politics was infested with people who were power-hungry and could not cope when they had lost, in any structure that required voting.
“We need leaders who, when they lose a position, will not be bitter and join other parties, leaders who will not blame individuals when things do not go their way.”
Sisulu’s daughter, Nontsikelelo, who spoke on behalf of her family, said a major struggle faced by woman was access to economic opportunities.
“Patriarchy had made people forget about their leaders and that was a problem, because history needed to be learned and understood as it was.
“Albertina was one of the greatest leaders. She had seen inequality and injustice at her workplace and knew exactly what everyone was going through.”
Nonstikelelo said women needed to ask themselves what they were fighting for and how strongly they were committed to the struggles of today.