NATIONAL ASSEMBLY : 25th June 2008

 

Madame Speaker,

A report by the Presidential Working Group on Women has highlighted huge shortfalls in the provision of water and sanitation and the failure to end violence against women and children in our poorest provinces.

Despite all the wonderful achievements, and immense contributions of women in our country, the women in rural and poor areas, together with children, remain the most vulnerable members of our society.

The fact that women are so well represented here in Parliament and in government should mean that gender issues become more prominent and take on an increased importance, and that more resources are allocated to the plight of the many women and children who are suffering in the rural and poor areas. This, however, is unfortunately not the case as the suffering and vulnerability of women and children continues. We are failing these vulnerable groups.

There is no doubting the strength of South African women and I believe that we, here in Parliament, can, and must, take the lead with this important issue and put a stop to the suffering of our many sisters and children who have no voice. All women in positions of power and authority must use the resources at their disposal to mainstream gender issues so that they receive the attention that they deserve. We owe this to the many women and children of South Africa who are trapped in suffering and misery and who still get abused everyday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Ms Connie Zikalala MP

083 282 8384