Women's Month

18 Aug 2011

Since our first democratic Parliament was established in 1994, the number of women Parliamentarians has increased significantly and following the 2009 general election, women make up about 43% of the total number of Members of Parliament (MPs).

However, women still face a number of challenges and next week Parliament will, through its Women’s Parliament, be reflecting on these and how they may be overcome. On Monday, 22 August, women from a broad spectrum of South African society will meet together with MPs to discuss the following topics:

• Women: Access to land, agriculture, economic opportunities, funding and skills mentorin.
• Women’s economic empowerment and sustainable jobs: working to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
• Providing access to economic opportunities for women through skills development and funding.

On Tuesday, 23 August, a joint sitting of Parliament’s National Assembly and National Council of Provinces will debate the theme of this year’s Women’s Parliament - “Working together to enhance Women's Economic Empowerment through skills development and sustainable job creation”.

Women who participated in the Monday discussion will also be present at the joint sitting.

Members of the media who are not part of the Parliamentary Press Gallery Association should RSVP with:
Nolizwi Magwagwa
Tel: 021 403 2465
Cell: 083 313 1323
E-mail: nmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za

• Programme

Issued by: Parliament of South Africa
18 Aug 2011