‘Let’s choose to challenge’ was the theme of the uThukela District Women in Leadership Dialogue that was held at Dongala Boutique Hotel on Wednesday (August 25). The event was hosted by uThukela District Municipality, in partnership with the ‘Women With Difference’ organisation.
The delegation at the event consisted of uThukela District Speaker PG Strydom, Deputy Mayor NW Mchunu, Inkosi Langalibalele Mayor J Mbhele, Okhahlamba Deputy Mayor TG Ngozo, Alfred Duma Deputy Mayor T Hadebe, uThukela District Agency CEO Ms DCP Mazibuko, District First Lady Mama Mazibuko, Okhahlamba First Lady Mama Ndlangisa, ONdlunkulu and women pastors.
Every year in August, our country commemorates Women’s Month, where we pay tribute to the more than 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on August 9, 1956, in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women. “Ensuring and protecting rights for all has been a constant struggle for government and our social partners, as we battle the devastating Covid-19 pandemic,” Mama Mazibuko said.
She continued that the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on our nation in countless ways. What was initially a health crisis has now affected the economy, health, education, food security and gender equality. “The necessity to increase women’s inclusion and leadership is more pronounced than ever. It is essential that women are included in decisions that are being made everywhere, and that they benefit from equal rights and equal opportunities. Because, when women lead, we all do better,” concluded District Lady Mrs Mazibuko.
“Gender-based violence has been on the rise and domestic violence has also intensified since the outbreak of Covid-19. Millions of women served and continue to serve as our forefronts and essential workers throughout the pandemic, placing their lives at risk,” said Deputy Mayor Mchunu.
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Cllr Mchunu said that, currently, women are heading portfolios and they are proud of these achievements. She said they are also aware that much more still needs to be done to accelerate socio-economic transformation and implementation of women empowerment. Cllr Mchunu emphasised that when women lead within companies, those companies make more profit and the economy grows.
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