The African National Congress (ANC) has made great strides towards equal representation of women in political leadership, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) said on Thursday.
”The appointment of women premiers equalling that of their male counterparts, in all eight provinces where the ANC won the majority vote, is a brave step in the right direction,” spokesperson Javu Baloyi said.
The commission commended the ANC for its commitment to gender equality and parity — and in fulfilling the Southern African Development Community protocol on gender and development.
”We call on all premiers to accelerate what has been done by their predecessors in spearheading equal opportunities and access to socio-economic rights for girls and women, particularly those in rural areas,” said Baloyi in a statement.
The commission called on opposition parties in Parliament to further this trend in ensuring that female candidates were put forward in positions of leadership in Parliament and provincial legislatures.
The CGE said it would continue to monitor state and party interventions that seek to redress gender imbalances, discrimination and inequity.
”The high voter turnout, particularly by women, who formed 55% of the electorate, is a strong sign that communities are looking to political parties to lead a renewed process of social transformation and service delivery, to improve the quality of their lives,” said Baloyi.
”As the administration gears up to implement this programme of action, it is imperative that the inequality, injustice and discrimination suffered particularly by women is foregrounded in all programmes.” — Sapa