Every year, in August, our country commemorates Women s Month and pays tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against Pass Laws. This year marks 67 years since the watershed 1956 women s march which was one of the largest demonstrations staged in the country s history. It was underpinned by the adoption of the Women s Charter of 1954.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government will be celebrating Women s Day 2023 under the overarching theme: Accelerating socio-economic opportunities for empowerment of women.” However, the focus will not only be on the initiatives within the socio-economic empowerment sector, but will include initiatives within the agricultural sector, green economy, waste sector, manufacturing sector, technology and innovation sector, among others in the province.
Given that this is the last year of the 6th Administration, government is advocating for a significant change in the positioning and character of the women s agenda within the country into an effective advocacy, project management, and implementation of matters relating to the wellbeing and advancement of the interests of women, including young women, women with disabilities, women in the LGBTQIA+ community, women in rural areas and women mainly in SMMEs, cooperatives and in the informal sector of the economy. By contextualising the Women s Month programme within this perspective, we are seeking to accelerate opportunities that would make the most of available resources to drive impactful initiatives that benefit the country's most vulnerable citizens.
Empowerment of women is everyone s business and needs the support of government, business and civil society. Let us all work to remove the barriers which prevent women from entering and thriving in the labour market, recognise their sacrifices and ensure their full participation in driving an inclusive economy.
Let's celebrate and appreciate our Mbokodo's nationwide.
