By REGINALD KANYANE
The ANC North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) Caucus on Monday joined the multitudes of South Africans from all walks of lives welcoming and celebrating Women’s Month 2024. The ANC Chief Whip in North West Provincial Legislature, Motlalepula Rosho said women’s month is important in the calendar of South Africa’s liberation struggle in pursuit of the fundamental goal of advancing women’s rights.
Rosho said every year in August, South Africa celebrates Women’s Month to pay tribute to more than 20 000 women, who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956, in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women. She further said the demonstration by women changed the political landscape of South Africa in quest for freedom and democracy.
“The tireless efforts of the women of 1956 demonstrated the resilience and bravery of our womenfolk in changing the course of the struggle for the emancipation of women in general and South Africans in particular. As we use this month as an opportunity to reflect on strides, we have made as a nation to advance women’s struggles. It also equally affords us an opportunity to look at what needs to be done to protect and empower women going forward.
“This call to action to accelerate women’s equality and protect the gains already made by the ANC and spur us to actively work to improve women’s access to economic opportunities and, in particular, business financing and credit so that women can pursue business opportunities in all areas,” said Rosho.
She added that it remains a collective responsibility to ensure that women of this country and beyond, are equally represented in the economy and receive equal pay. Rosho said investing in women and championing gender equality turbocharges a future where everyone in society can thrive, creating a world of boundless opportunity and empowerment for all.
“Implementing gender responsive budgets will strive for a fair distribution of resources especially towards women residing in our remotest areas. We firmly believe that achieving gender equality and women’s well-being in all aspects of life is more crucial than ever if we are to create inclusive and prosperous economies and healthy society.
“Ending gender-based violence against women, children and LGBTQ+ people remains our priority as the ANC. We must continue to affirm the freedom of women and engage in campaigns that involve communities in the prevention of femicide and rape. As a country, we need to redouble our efforts and ensure that women are not exposed to any form of harassment and discrimination,” she said.
Rosho said the ANC Caucus calls on all South Africans to mark this month by rededicating themselves to the realization of the vision of those gallant women of 1956, who sought a country where they had equal opportunities, felt safe and had the freedom to contribute as equals in our country’s development.
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