| The year 2009, marks the seventh anniversary of the women month celebrations. 2009 is special in many aspects, since it will be the first time that municipalities in Sedibeng manage the programme without Lesedi fm. It is also the first time the programme could reach proportional heights and introduce sustainable programmes. More and more stakeholders and role players are part of the programme. We realize how many stakeholders are prepared to sponsor either the programme or some of the events. We realize that excitement and lots of enthusiasm has been generated in the district and we have interacted with potential sponsors and sponsors in kind. At the helm of this programme are the Speakers of all municipalities in Sedibeng.
Commemorate, Celebrate and Champion Boleng ba Mosadi; summarize the programme for the month. We acknowledge the heritage of women, as it was women who despite them taking care of their households, the very same women demonstrated finesse in the manner which they approached the liberation struggle.
The phrase 'wathint' abafazi, wathint' imbokodo' has come to represent women's courage and strength and clearly nullify that 'a women's place is in the kitchen', declaring it instead to be everywhere'. This seen the start of a process of women organizing themselves for a common goal. Issues that concerned women in the 1950s can be described as 'bread and butter' matters, such as housing, food prices, and permits. In modern day South Africa, women are faced with a wide range of issues such as domestic violence, child abuse, HIV/AIDS, unemployment, gender discrimination as well as poverty. Not only does the programme for 2009 concentrate on commemorating and celebrating, but that it is the start of championing the cause of women. Exciting programmes will be launched this year that are sustainable in nature such as the launch of the women mentorship programme. The necessary institutional arrangements will be put in place such as the women forum, the interfaith based forum. Furthermore this month will see councils adopting the gender mainstreaming strategy as well as a gender policy.
On behalf of the Speakers in Sedibeng namely Cllrs Greta Hlongwane, Ron Smith and Maria Phala; thank you to all the sponsors, partners and participants in the programme. A special word of thanks to the Mayors in the district who supported the programme with the necessary resources and last, but not least the officials from the municipalities in the district for their commitment and dedication in making this year a special women's month programme. |
