Pretoria - Thousands of South African women and leaders in government, political parties and civil society are expected to converge in the Northern Cape on Tuesday to celebrate the centenary of International Women's Day.
This year marks 100 years since International Women's Day was first observed on 8 March 1911, with women around the world demanding equal rights, a right to vote and improved working conditions.
The national celebration, to be held at Galeshewe Township in Kimberly, comes at the right time for South African women, as the country prepares for the Local Government Elections taking place on 18 May 2011.
Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities Lulu Xingwana said the elections were an opportunity for women to demand equal representation and to ensure that their interests are fully represented at this sphere of government.
"These elections are an opportunity to advance towards gender parity at local government level. Women should vote for parties with a clear track record on gender and empowerment of women," said Xingwana noting that currently, South Africa has 44 percent of women representation in the legislature, 43 percent in Cabinet and 40 percent of elected positions at the level of local government.
Xingwana, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and Northern Cape Premier Hazel Jenkins are some of the leaders expected to take part in the national celebration, which will be held under the global theme: 'Equal Access to Education and Training, Science and Technology; a Pathway to Decent Work for Women.'
Several activities have been organized in Kimberly to mark the event, starting today with the Women in Dialogue Symposium - Equal Access to Education, Science and Technology, which will be attended by leaders in government, civil society and academia at Sterkinekor Cinema, North Cape Mall.
On Tuesday, Xingwana and Jenkins will be distributing sanitary pads to indigent learners from the !Xun and Khwe community in Platfontein.
Meanwhile, Water and Environmental Affairs Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi will be leading celebrations at the Voortrekker Monument Park Events Centre in Pretoria.
A total of 350 women from both the Water and Environmental Affairs on levels 2 to 5 - which includes secretaries, clerks, messengers and cleaners - are expected to participate. - BuaNews
