Social Development MEC officially launched Women’s Month

MEC for Social Development Ms. Florence Radzilani has officially launched the Limpopo Women’s Month at Lebowakgomo Civic Centre, Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipality, on Wednesday 05 August 2026.

MEC Radzilani was representing the Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba who is currently on official visit to the People’s Republic of China.

The 70th edition of the Women’s Month was launched under the theme “Empowered Women, Empower Nations.”- highlighting women’s role in economic growth, social development, and national transformation.

The launch documented a significant contribution women make to the Limpopo economy, while highlighting the persistent barriers many continue to face, including limited access to finance, procurement opportunities, markets, technology, information, and business development support.

South Africa will commemorate the 7th decade since the historic 09 August 1956 women’s march which saw more than 20 000 women heading to the Union Buildings to protest Apartheid Pass Laws and Urban Areas Act when it was not fashionable to do so.

Radzilani reminisced the bravery of South African heroines of 70 years ago comprising the likes of Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, Sophia Williams- De Bryn amongst others following their demonstration that women were not followers in the struggle for justice and freedom but can play leadership roles too.

She also called the province of Limpopo to also remember its daughters of courage who fought in communities, homes, churches, schools and movements to make sure that women are no longer treated as second-class citizens.

“We remember the many unnamed women of Capricorn, of Sekhukhune, of Vhembe, of Mopani and Waterberg. Women who kept families together in the hardest times and women who educated children with the little money. Women who mobilized against oppression and made sure that the dream of freedom did not die. Those are the women of Jane Furse, Giyani, Malamulele, Giyani, Bela-Bela, Musina and Tzaneen who carried this province on their backs, often quietly but always powerfully.” Radzilani said MEC Radzilani also emphasized the importance of women in leadership roles.

She said the theme for this year’s edition of Women’s Month is a serious statement not just a slogan which tells that when women are given power, skills, protections and the opportunity, the whole country becomes stronger.

While women are in jubilations and celebratory mode in this women’s month, MEC Radzilani has lamented poverty, unemployment and Gender Based Violence (GBV) as three major staggering blocks to women’s emancipation in society despite enjoying over 30 years of democracy.

“Too many women are still the face of poverty especially in rural areas where they continue to carry the burden of unemployment, food insecurity, unpaid care work and limited access to economic opportunity. Women are still under-represented in the economy, in procurement, in ownership and in senior management. Women must also participate in decision makings; they must also participate in businesses. Also, GBV remains our second pandemic and no woman should go through all these struggles.” Radzilani bemoaned
She confirmed that there shall be approximately 70 activities across all five districts aimed at empowering women in Limpopo.

This includes information sharing were women will be given platforms to understand programs within their government so they can be able to appreciate themselves.

Radzilani has urged women to participate in those programs and share their views while raising frustrations encountered.

Above all, MEC Radzilani was elated with the women’s turnout at Lepelle Nkumpi Civic Centre which was an indication that women of Limpopo are prioritizing their month by fully understanding that they needed to celebrate those who came before them.

She said it is also significant for Limpopo women to emulate the class of 1956 and fight for their independence and not continue to be silent beneficiaries of their male counterparts.