Women Are the ‘Backbone’ of South African Healthcare

Pretoria: Women are the driving force in South Africa's healthcare system, tirelessly serving the people of South Africa. This is according to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi who spoke to SAnews on the sidelines of the official opening of the King Nyabela Hospital in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. According to South African Government News Agency, Motsoaledi noted that women occupy every sphere of the health system as the country marks Women's Month in August. Women's Month is celebrated in South Africa to commemorate the 1956 Women's March, when 20,000 women walked to the Union Buildings in protest against apartheid pass laws. Motsoaledi emphasized that women are the backbone of the healthcare system, with more female nurses than male nurses. He acknowledged the significant presence of women in leadership roles within the medical field, including hospital CEOs, medical managers, and specialists such as surgeons and gynaecologists. Healthcare workers at the opening of the hospital reflected on the importance of W omen's Month. Gladys Masina encouraged women to stand up for themselves and their children, calling for continued empowerment. Meikie Motau praised the women of the Department of Health for their dedication to providing lifesaving care. At the launch of Women's Month on 1 August, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga highlighted the historic impact of the 1956 Women's March. She described the march as a pivotal moment in the fight against oppression and a foundational step towards democracy and equality in South Africa. Chikunga noted that the legacy of those 20,000 women continues to inspire and empower current and future generations of South African women. South Africa will commemorate National Women's Day on Sunday, honoring the contributions and resilience of women throughout the nation's history.