Pretoria: Malibongwe Igama Lamakhosikazi! – Praise the name of women! This rallying cry, echoing from the historic 1956 Women’s March, remains as relevant today as it was when more than 20,000 women stood in defiance of the oppressive pass laws. Their courage and unity were a turning point in our history, laying the foundations for a non-sexist, non-racial democracy.
According to South African Government News Agency, while the women of 1956 are rightly honored every August, it is crucial that the recognition of women’s contributions extends beyond a single month. Women’s empowerment is an ongoing process essential for community hope and national progress. Since 1994, South Africa has made strides in gender equity, with women now occupying 25.8% of top management roles in the private sector and 43% of parliamentary seats. However, more efforts are needed to achieve full economic and social emancipation for women.
This year’s Women’s Month theme, ‘Building Resilient Economies for All,’ underscores that empowering women is foundational to inclusive growth. President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted that the empowerment of women benefits everyone. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment prioritizes women, with a female Director-General and a majority of senior roles held by women. The department’s staff includes 52% women and has met government targets for employing persons with disabilities.
The department is also implementing community programs to create opportunities for women. Between 2020/21 and 2024/25, it surpassed its target with 323,462 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) opportunities, with a significant portion allocated to women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The department is committed to increasing women’s participation in these initiatives.
Efforts extend to empowering rural communities through the transfer of forestry plantations and involving women in tackling environmental issues like plastics pollution and e-waste management. These initiatives are vital for creating green jobs and sustainable livelihoods.
Empowerment also involves ensuring safety and dignity. Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) remain critical issues. The government has strengthened laws to combat GBVF, but societal participation is necessary to end this crisis.
As South Africa honors the women of 1956, there is a renewed commitment to a future where women and men collaborate for mutual prosperity. When women thrive, nations flourish.