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6 September 2007

Hundreds of Women from all parts of the country converged in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality, Limpopo province, this week to participate in the Women in Provincial and Local Government summit that took place on Monday, 3 to Wednesday, 5 September.

The aim was to collectively find solutions to issues that stand in the way of the emancipation of women of South Africa. The objectives of the summit in which the Department of Provincial and Local Government (the dplg) partnered with the South African Local Government Association (Salga), Eskom Foundation and the German Technical Co-operation Agency (GTZ) were to:

* assess progress made with regard to gender equity and equality in local government,
* facilitate the involvement of men and traditional leaders in promoting gender equality as well as engendering service delivery,
* raise awareness on the constitutional roles and responsibilities of municipalities and traditional leadership structures to advance gender equality,
* encourage dialogue and cooperation between political and administrative office bearers,
* facilitate skills development.

At the summit, Deputy Minister for Provincial and Local Government Nomatyala Hangana launched the Gender Policy Framework for Local Government. During her address at the summit, the Deputy Minister reminded delegates of the history and role of women in the struggle for liberation in South Africa. However, the Deputy Minister noted that women continue to be victims even during the post apartheid era.

It is hoped that the Gender Policy Framework will provide guidance and support to the sector around Gender Mainstreaming and women empowerment. She called upon every men and woman to be involved in issues related to gender and women empowerment.

Issued by: Department of Provincial and Local Government
6 September 2007
Source: Department of Provincial and Local Government (http://www.dplg.gov.za)