Soul City Institute host political parties on issues of women voters
BRAAMFONTEIN – The #womxn of South Africa demand a government that takes their needs seriously.
The top four political parties were put to the feminist test on 30 April, in a lively #YVote4U Hot Seat event held at the Constitution Hill in Braamfontein.
Moderated by Kaya FM ‘uncaptured’ presenters, Kgomotso Matsunyane and Ndumiso Ngcobo, the panel of party representatives responded to pertinent questions from the audience on #womxn representation, empowerment and rights.
The political parties represented were the African National Congress, Inkatha Freedom Party, Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
The Hot Seat event was launched by the Soul City Institute for Social Justice (SCI), as part of its #YVote4U campaign in partnership with #TheTotalShutdown, Corruption Watch and Country Duty.
The campaign aims to enable young #womxn to use their vote wisely in the current elections, providing an opportunity to examine how each political party acts on its constitutional obligations to achieve substantive gender equality.
“Despite being lauded for having the best constitution in the world, the #womxn of South Africa do not enjoy their freedom. South African #womxn and non-gender conforming persons face discrimination and violence,” said Lebogang Ramafoko, Soul City Institute CEO.
“Many do not report cases of violence and abuse for fear of secondary victimisation. Many workplaces, including some of the political parties do not have sexual harassment policies. #Womxn are the majority voters and yet our political parties get away with allowing and, in some instances, aiding discrimination and violence against #womxn, this cannot be allowed to continue.”
The #womxn of South Africa demand a government that takes their needs seriously and has concrete plans to address them, she added.
The event dealt with issues such as gender mainstreaming, gender-based violence, sexual health and reproductive rights, #womxn representation, corruption and land rights.
Ramafoko said she is thrilled to be a part of this conversation adding that gender equity is one of the most difficult topics to approach – we did so with real substance.
“As feminist #womxn, we have to have these hard conversations that are long overdue…the era of rhetoric and lack of political will towards ending gender inequality is over,” she concluded.
Details: Soul City Institute 0861 768 524.
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