The pleasure was evident on President Jacob Zuma’s face when he held aloft the promised first Report on the Status of Women in the South African Economy at the national Women’s Day celebration in Sasolburg, Free State.
“The report identifies some of the areas where society broadly has been successful in enabling women’s full participation in the economy, and others where there is a need for refocused efforts,” said Zuma. “Let us use this report to benchmark and work harder to advance the status of women, especially the poor and the working class.
“While counting achievement[s], we also emphasise [that] the triple challenge[s] of poverty, unemployment and inequality remain a stark reality and women bear the brunt.”
He concluded his speech with the comment: “The march towards social and economic freedom for women continues. The democratic government will be part of that march until victory is attained.”
Justice for women, children
The message of zero tolerance for abusive behaviour, especially towards women, was loud and clear at the 20th Woman’s Day rally in Sasolburg.
“We will rally around mobilising women to ensure the fight against any form of oppression by men or any other person continues and intensifies,” warned Bathabile Dlamini, the newly-elected president of the ANC Women’s League and minister of social development.
Addressing the subject of women who have been and are victims of domestic violence, Dlamini said: “Men must think twice before they abuse women in South Africa. We are going to mobilise women to fight all forms of abuse.
“We are going to ensure that [access to the] law is not expensive. We want to fill up the courts where the issues of women are to be decided upon, more particularly issues of violence against women.
“The moral ethic of uBuntu has almost disappeared. We are no longer carrying ourselves with dignity and pride or speak to our elders with respect. If we disrespect ourselves we are [also] capable of disrespecting others, disrespecting laws and by-laws,” said Dlamini.
“On this historic occasion, we must draw lessons from the past for a future to where we aspire to be.
“As citizens of a modern democracy, there is a strategic interest in promoting welfare, especially of those amongst us [who are] most vulnerable. The [ANC Women’s] league will not tolerate abuse against women.
“We call on all [non-resident] fathers to pay [maintenance], and start now to support your children. If they don’t do this, we are going to bring them to book,” she said.
“Ultimately, no one can do it for us — we have to do it for ourselves — however, there is strength in unity, and together we can move along.”
MC for the Sasolburg event, Minister of Women in the Presidency Susan Shabangu endorsed Dlamini’s sentiments, saying that the attendees of this event were there to both reflect upon the successes of the emancipation of women and to take stock of the challenges they still face.
“Our struggle is not yet achieved. Yes, we have made progress in economic emancipation, but a lot still needs to be done.”