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WESTERN CAPE PREMIER, GERALD MORKEL, TO HONOUR WESTERN CAPE WOMEN ON NATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - 9 AUGUST
Tomorrow the Western Cape Province honours its mothers, wives, daughters, sisters and female colleagues for their share in the historical development of our country, says Premier Gerald Morkel.
"In the past our women were often taken for granted, but under the new South African dispensation we have at last reached the stage where their importance in our communities are acknowledged and celebrated officially.
"On Women's Day, I join in celebrating the struggles of women over past decades to strive for a society free of all kinds of discrimination, more especially discrimination against women."
Mr Morkel said National Women's Day serves as a platform for the issues that affect women, i.e. violence against women and children, in particular sexual violence, HIV/AIDS and the plight of women living in poverty. It is his personal wish that 9 August will not just be another public holiday but an opportunity to salute the women of our country.
NB: In celebration of National Women's Day, the Provincial Administration of the Western Cape will crown the winners of a Provincial "Winning Women" competition at Artscape during a special function tomorrow. The function starts at 14h00. Women who have made a positive contribution in their respective communities will receive awards. Nominations were received from all over the province.
Enquiries:
Chris Koole at 082 7743462,
Riana Geldenhuys at 082 3764709
Carla Ackerman at 021 483 5730
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Western Cape, 8 August 2001