Parliament says Women’s Month is a time to reflect on sustainable action towards gender equality

South Africa commemorates Women’s Month as a tribute to the thousands of women who marched to the Union Buildings on August 9, 1956, in protest against the extension of the pass laws to women.

This historic march was a turning point in the role of women in the struggle for freedom.

According to Nonhlanhla Ncube-Ndaba, the chairperson for the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, the dawn of democracy brought about the enactment of women’s rights in the country.

“A robust legislative framework has been developed over the years, but the key challenge remains the implementation of these laws and policies to ensure the promotion, protection and fulfilment of women’s rights,” she said.

“Women in our country continue to face the triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment.

“Moreover, the country has high levels of increased gender-based violence and femicide, in particular.”

Following South Africa’s transition to democracy and the development of an inclusive constitution, a number of institutions were created to strengthen democracy and promote respect for human rights.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is one such institution.

It was established to deal with and address the specific issues of inequality and discrimination against women.

“CGE is an important mechanism to focus the attention of parliament and the broader South Africa on the goal of gender equality,” said Nonhlanhla.

“Strengthening this commission is a vital aspect to sustainable action towards addressing gender equality.

“This month is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on women’s achievements, as well as the problems they face in the struggle to be free and the important role they play in society.

“Furthermore, in this time we welcome the appointment of the new commissioners to the CGE and look forward to the work ahead in the sixth parliament.”