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7 March 2009

Since 1994, South Africa has taken giant steps to restore the dignity and status of women in society. In our forward march towards the full emancipation of the women of our country, we have passed new laws that protect and defend the rights of women.

New policies and systems that address the issue of gender equality in all aspects of South African life are also in place. Our country has ratified many international conventions on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, as a sign of our commitment to the practical realisation of gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Since 2004, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has worked tirelessly towards improving the circumstances in which women found themselves in the province. In particular, we have placed emphasis on minimising unemployment and the cultural-ideological problems facing women. The promotion and protection of women's rights is being directed by the Office of the Premier through the Office of the Status of Women. Our programmes involve growth and development for women, eradication of women abuse and eradication of poverty and unemployment.

The Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has four, out of ten, MECs who are women. We have 16 provincial departments and eight of them are headed by women. The participation of women in public affairs on the African continent is as old as African civilisation itself, spanning thousands of years before the birth of Christ. Egyptian queens, for instance, are believed to have governed from as early as around 3 000 Before Christ (BC), of which the first female ruler was Queen Ku-Baba who ruled the Mesopotamian City State of Ur around 2500 BC.

Africa has been characterised by the emergence of women achievers who have populated the historical landscape and excelled in their various roles. In recent pre-colonial history there has been Queen Nandi, Queen Mmantantisi, Queen Mthaniya and Princess Mkabayi. In fact, so influential was Princess Mkabayi that during the reign of four Kings, King Senzangakhona, King Shaka, King Dingane and King Mpande, the most famous phrase was: 'Buzani ku Mkabayi,' meaning consult Mkabayi for any solution.

In recent liberation history Charlotte Maxeke, Margaret Mncadi, Dorothy Nyembe and many others have demonstrated that the completion of Africa's efforts at liberation happens with the entrance of women on stage. Therefore, when government makes policies on gender and women empowerment issues, this is not to introduce western ideals and value systems.

Women must play a leading role in the reconstruction of the nucleus of families, in the recollection of family history, in ensuring that teaching and learning takes place at all times during school hours, in educating others about their basic human rights and in ensuring that elected representatives put the development agenda at the forefront at community level. Women should promote self-help and self-development projects at all times. Women should continue to stand for peace, democracy and development.

Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Premier's Spokesperson
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
Cell: 083 644 4050

Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
7 March 2009