Women must have equal access to leadership positions, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship if South Africa is to build stronger families and thriving communities, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has said.
Chikunga made the remarks while officially launching National Women’s Month at the “Empower Her Market Trade Fair” in Durban on Saturday. The event marked the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March.
Sindisiwe Chikunga Highlights Women’s Economic Empowerment
Sindisiwe Chikunga said this year’s National Women’s Month celebrations recognise the contribution of women who fought for equality and freedom. She said the commemoration also reinforces government’s commitment to advancing the rights of women across the country.
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Speaking under the theme “Empowered Women, Empower Nations,” Chikunga said creating equal opportunities for women is essential to achieving lasting social and economic progress.
National Women’s Month Marks 70 Years Since Historic Women’s March
National Women’s Month this year commemorates seven decades since thousands of women marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 in protest against apartheid pass laws.
Chikunga said the anniversary serves as a reminder of the courage shown by those women and the freedoms their actions helped secure for future generations. She added that government remains committed to building on that legacy by promoting gender equality.
Sindisiwe Chikunga acknowledged that significant obstacles continue to affect women and girls despite the progress made over the years.
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“While we celebrate the remarkable achievements of South African women, we also recognize that much work remains. Inequality, unemployment, gender-based violence and femicide, and barriers to economic participation continue to affect far too many women and girls.”
She said addressing these challenges remains critical to ensuring women can fully participate in the country’s economic and social development.
