Women’s empowerment must be a collaborative effort
Three countries took hands with South African institutions and women’s groups to have a dialogue on women’s empowerment on August 30.
A panel discussion sharing policies, programmes and experiences that South African women are developing to be economically sustainable formed part of the Women’s Month celebration.
Held on August 30 at the home of Dominican Republic ambassador Erika Alvarez Rodriguez in Waterkloof Ridge, it was presented jointly by the Colombian Embassy in South Africa, Embajada de la Republica Dominicana and the Jamaican High Commission.
Sibongile Ndashe of the Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa said during the panel discussion that South African women can access rights in the Constitution and laws look gender-neutral, but they may still find they are not able to achieve their dreams and visions.
“Laws can impact women’s issues positively, but carrying these laws out in practice is not always possible because of the lack of resources. We need to see more political will to achieve empowerment targets,” said Ndashe.
The discussion was introduced by Alvarez Rodriguez.
She pointed out that despite advances in gender-sensitive policies worldwide, women and girls are still exposed to unfair practices in the workplace, as well as being subjected to violence in their homes and society.
“It is important that we keep a significant dialogue going around women’s empowerment to transform barriers into bridges,” said Rodriguez.
A pre-recorded message by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Jamaica, Kamina Johnson Smith, was played during the discussions.
She said achieving equality is not the work of women alone.
“It is important that we collaborate with society and other leaders in our efforts in achieving this vision,” said Smith.
The discussion also included proposals and suggestions on women’s economic empowerment as a tool for justice, social inclusion and gender equity.
Thukasiwe Makhanya of the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute participated in a discussion on the role of public and private alliances in creating economic sustainability for women’s empowerment.
The handwork of the Bertha Gxowa Institute’s craft workshops and books published by the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute were showcased during the event.
Dr Makgathatso Pilane of the Bertha Gxowa Foundation said workforce programmes must create the framework for equality challenges.
“To break historical inequalities, we must be prepared to take part in changing public policies,” said Pilane. “We need to get back to the drawing board and young women must take the baton to carry the good work forward.”
The ambassador of the Republic of Columbia, Maria Del Rosario Mina Rojas, ended the proceedings.
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