'Invest in women: Accelerate progress’; Sifuba

Photo: Free State Legislature Speaker Ntombizanele Sifuba

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By: Neo Ntsele

Free State Legislature Speaker Ntombizanele Sifuba deliveres a powerful

International Women’s Day message.

International Women’s Day is perceived on March 8, to celebrate

women’s achievements and emphasizes gender equity and women’s

wellbeing.

The UN focuses on five key areas that need joint action: Investing

in women, a human rights issue; ending poverty; implementing gender

responsive financing; shifting to a greener economy and care society and

supporting feminist change makers.

"Today we honour women who have paved a way for progress and equity,

women in the entertainment industry, women in politics, businesswomen

and to all the women making a difference, your impact is immeasurable. As

we celebrate today, we are proud of the nomination of Judge Mandisa Maya

as the first female Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa. Now, let’s

work together to uplift and support women is all aspects of life", said Sifuba.

She also noted that as the country is nearing national and provincial elections in May 2024, they would

like to encourage political parties to give an opportunity and allow women

in higher positions with a minimum of 50/50 split of gender representation

in parliament and provincial legislatures.

"Although we are celebrating and honouring women this international

Women’s Day, we take note that women in South Africa are still faced with

enormous challenges where women and children are killed, raped, and

kidnapped.

We realise that Gender Based Violence (GBV) is still a big

challenge in South Africa and we call on our communities to stand up against

GBV and fight for girls and women", she continues.

Sifuba reiterated that during this time their thoughts and prayers goes to the women, girls and all

the people of Palestine and they stand together with all oppressed people

especially women and girls in all aspects of life.