International Women’s Day celebrated

By: Maano Nekhavhambe

MEC for Health Dr Phophi Ramathuba has led the Limpopo Provincial Government delegates to commemorate the International Women’s Day at the New Musina Community Hall, Vhembe District, on Friday 08 March 2019.

This year’s event was celebrated under the theme: “Social protection systems, access to the public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls”.

The International Women’s Day, amongst other things, presents an opportunity for women and all progressive men across the world to call for greater equality between men and women.

The Limpopo Provincial Government recognizes the significance of the annual International Women’s Day which is designated to elevate the status of women who triumphed over numerous political, economic and social hurdles to achieve prosperity.

”On this day we also celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the lives of our communities. The days of women space being limited in the kitchen are over and the days of young women being forced into arranged marriages are over.” Dr Ramathuba said

Dr Ramathuba said in these modern days, women must enjoy a full and equal share in economic, social, cultural and political decision makings.

She further said that, whilst celebrating the International Women’s Day, it is their (Women) responsibility to ask themselves if they are making progress in terms of social, economic and political upliftment and if not they must also ask themselves what must be done to ensure the desired progress.

The MEC also extended her praises to the South African women who are doing extremely well for themselves and the country as a whole such as the likes of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (who was the first woman to lead the African Union Commission as the Chairperson), Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka (The Executive Director of Women in the United Nations and former Deputy President of South Africa), and young women like Caster Semenya who continues to make the country proud in the sporting fraternity internationally despite being subjected to the abuse by International Associations of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

As far as forced marriages are concerned, Dr Ramathuba has urged parents and religious leaders to stop pressure rising their daughters to get married simply because they are aging.

"I know pastors and parents won't be happy with me regarding this. But please stop forcing your children to get married or to have children. Instead force them to go to school and get adequate education and then progress themselves." Laments the MEC

"If your daughters are in abusive marriages, encourage them to let go and stop encouraging them to persevere because you don't want to be a laughing stock in the community" She added