| Sedibeng celebrates Womens Month |
5 August 2011 |
Message from the Speaker of Sedibeng: Cllr. Busisiwe Modisakeng...
As we characterise the world that we live in beyond 1956, it is clear that we have a real challenge to further advance the gains that have been made. Most importantly, we need to do this so that those who are still not covered by some of these gains are able to equally enjoy the benefits of the progress made in the emancipation of women and the transformation of our Sedibeng. 2011 August month aims to celebrate women, the cycle of womanhood, gender equality and women's rights under the theme: “Celebrating the struggle of women for socio-economic empowerment in our lifetime”. The programme not only honours women from all over Sedibeng but also pays tribute to all the contributions that women have made to make Sedibeng a better place. This year women's month is observed in a special way to give it meaning, context and relevance.
Women's month will not only marked by linking the struggles and achievements of South African women with all the women of Sedibeng who contributed towards the struggle for liberation. Significant strides were made all over the globe to place issues of women's emancipation firmly on the world agenda. National struggles of women in different countries have accumulated in a global united effort to oppose and eradicate the subjugation of women in all spheres of our society. These global efforts have mainly been responsible for the progress made by humanity in the fight against the oppression of women. The emancipation of women therefore should also entail the eradication of inequality and segregation within society and indeed inequality amongst women.
Women's Month is one of the key initiatives of Sedibeng District Municipality together with the local municipalities. It is specifically targeted at women as the key drivers and participants. Not only is the programme in the district wide but the month is also celebrated with activities throughout the country in commemorating women's achievements. It is also during this period that the government takes stock of the challenges that persist in attaining women's empowerment and gender equality. It is therefore also the time when government departments identify necessary measures that need to be taken to address these challenges. As a yearlong programme is launched marking the 55th Anniversary of the march of the women, the reality that women have been active in the struggle for emancipation and empowerment at individual and also at a collective level should be embraced.
The objectives of 2011 women's month programme are:
- To celebrate, commemorate and champion the cycle of womanhood.
- To mobilise women and society in general in commemorating the 55th Anniversary of the National Women's Day (August 9).
- To highlight the role that women can play in the development of their communities
- To champion a 365 day programme to achieve:
- Sustainable programmes for women empowerment.
- Sustainable partnerships between the public and private sectors as well as with women representing civil society.
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