Pretoria – Government has commended South Africans for showing unity in celebrating the 2016 Women’s Month, which also marked the 60th anniversary of the Women’s March.
The anniversary was marked on Women’s Day on 9 August 2016, where women from various sectors across the country took part in a massive parade from Lillian Ngoyi Square to the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The parade symbolically followed the footsteps of the 1956 Women’s March.
During the celebrations at the Union Buildings, President Jacob Zuma emphasised that government continues to improve the lives of the people and will not rest until decent basic services reach everyone, especially women.
Government and its stakeholders held a number of events including, among others, the launch of the Women’s Living Heritage Monument which tells the story of women’s contribution to the liberation struggles. The monument will be officially opened to the public on 8 March 2017.
Director General of the Department of Women, Jenny Schreiner, said the “TellHerStory” Twitter hashtag was a great success and highlights government’s commitment to create platforms that promote dialogue among not only women but all South Africans.
“Through this platform, women, young and old shared their personal inspirational stories aimed at uplifting and encouraging others.
“Women and gender transformation issues are at the centre of the government agenda throughout the year and not just a focus for one month, and I hope that women will continue to tell Herstory each day.
“Many women are heads of households and breadwinners. It is therefore encouraging to note that participation of women in the economy continues to grow. Women now occupy a more significant number of key leadership positions than previously, both in government and private sector,” said Schreiner.
As the 2016 Women’s Month drew to a close, Schreiner encouraged South African citizens to continue to act as women united in moving women’s empowerment and South Africa forward.
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