International Women’s Day celebrated with a demand for equal representation in local government
Thousands of women of South Africa and women leaders in Government, political parties and civil society gathered at Galeshewe Township in Kimberly, Northern Cape to celebrate the centenary of the International Women’s Day on Tuesday, 2011 March 08.
>> Speech at Gala Dinner, Mayibuye Centre, Galeshewe on 07 March 2011
nikeThis year marks 100 years since the International Women’s Day was first observed on March 08, 1911 with women around the world demanding equal rights, a right to vote and improved working conditions.
The centenary celebrations come at an opportune time for women of South Africa as the country prepares for the Local Government Elections taking place on May 18, 2011. It is an opportunity for women to demand equal representation and to ensure that their interests are fully represented at this sphere of government.
Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities Lulu Xingwana said South Africa currently has 44% of women representation in the Legislature, 43% in Cabinet and 40% of elected positions at the level of Local Government. These advances have mainly been due to the ruling party, the ANC, committing to the principle of 50/50 gender representation.
“These elections are an opportunity to advance towards gender parity at local government level. Women should vote for parties with a clear track record on gender and empowerment of women,” said Minister Xingwana.
Minister Xingwana, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, Northern Cape Premier Hazel Jenkins are some of the leaders expected to take part in the celebration of the International Women’s Day under the global theme:
Several activities have been organized in Kimberly to mark the International Women’s Day starting from March 07-08. Members of the media are invited to these activities taking place as follows:
| Event | Main Speakers
Or Participants |
Date and Time | Venue |
| Day 1 (March 07) | |||
| Lunch to announce the Programme for International Women’s Day | Sports, Arts and Culture MEC Pauline Williams | 07 March 201
12h30 – 13h45 |
Ekhaya Guesthouse, Galeshewe Township |
| Women in Dialogue Symposium – Equal Access to Education, Science and Technology | Leaders in Government, Civil Society and Academia | 07 March 2011
14h00 – 16h15 |
Ster kinekor Cinema, North Cape Mall |
| International Women’s Day Gala Dinner | Northern Cape Premier Hazel Jenkins | 07 March 2011
18h00 for 18h30 |
Mayibuye Multi-Purpose Centre, Galeshewe |
| Day 2 (March 08) | |||
| Distribution of Sanitary Pads to indigent learners from the !Xun and Khwe community in Platfontein | Minister Lulu Xingwana
Premier Hazel Jenkins |
08 March 2011
07h15 – 09h00 |
Xunkwesa Combined School, Platfontein |
| Main National Event marking International Women’s Day | Min Lulu Xingwana
Min Angie Motshekga Premier Hazel Jenkins Representatives of political parties |
08 March 2011
10h00 – 14h00 |
Galeshewe Stadium |
For more information contact:
Sibani Mngadi
Ministry for Women, Children and People with Disabilities
0827720161
Or
Bronwyn Thomas
Office of the Premier: Northern Cape
0834476586
Or
Morapedi Sekhoane
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
082 749 5625