MEDIA STATEMENT: NATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Today, as we commemorate Women’s Day, we reflect on the incredible journey of South African women over the past 30 years of our democracy. We stand on the shoulders of the brave women who, in 1956, marched to the Union Buildings to demand equality and justice. Their courage laid the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy today and continues to inspire us in our ongoing struggle for gender equality.

We honour the countless struggle heroes who have tirelessly championed women’s rights in our country, ensuring that the voices of women are heard and respected in every sphere of life. We stand on the shoulders of Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn. Their dedication and resilience have brought us closer to a society where women can truly thrive.

In this spirit of progress, we celebrate the historic appointment of Justice Mandisa Maya as South Africa’s first female Chief Justice. This is not just a personal achievement for Justice Maya, but a significant leap forward for women across our nation. Her leadership in this role symbolizes the growing recognition of the essential contributions women make to our society, and we are proud to see such strides being made in the judiciary.

While we recognize and celebrate these achievements, we must also acknowledge that many struggles remain. Unemployment and economic exclusion has had the most dire effects on women in South Africa. According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate for women sat at 35.2% while the unemployment rate for men sat at 31%. Furthermore, the labour force participation rate for women continues to be lower than that of men. Similarly, poverty continues to disproportionately affect women even though more than 40% of all households are headed by women. The political and social freedoms that women now enjoy cannot be fully realized until women are given an equal opportunity to participate in the South African economy, either through employment or entrepreneurship.

Gender-based violence continues to be a pervasive issue that disproportionately affects women in South Africa. SAYEC strongly supports interventions aimed at eradicating this terrible vice and calls on all sectors of society to join us in this crucial fight. On this important day, SAYEC wishes all the women of South Africa, a Happy Women’s Day. May we continue to build a country where every woman is empowered to reach her full potential and may the legacy of those who fought for our freedom inspire us all to work towards a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Malibongwe igama lamakhosikazi!

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ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH ECONOMIC COUNCIL

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