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ZIWAPHI • VOL 4 NO 5 • 12 - 25 MARCH 2010

On the 8th of March each year, the world over celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD) and when the South Africa was liberated from apartheid in 1994, the country joined the international community to commemorate this significant day in the struggle for the emancipation of women.

The United Nation’s theme for this year’s IWD is Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all.

The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, as a tradition, observes events that are of significance through a Snap Debate, and this week was no exception as Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) shared their views on the significance of the day.

To celebrate the day, Ziwaphi publishes a speech delivered by MPL Pretty  Ngubeni (MPL, ANC)

“The 8th of March is a historic day and a memorable day for all women of the world.

In 1917 on this day, the Great February Revolution took place in Saint Petersburg. The Working Women of Saint Petersburg staged this revolutionary day in demand of bread, peace and universal suffrage. This resulted in the removal of the Tsar and his associates on the 8th of March and the ultimate victory of the Great October Revolution of 1917.

On the 28th of February 1909, the socialist women of the USA organized huge demonstrations and meetings all over the usa in demand of political rights and working conditions for all women.

In 1990 at the second international conference of the Working Women, Clara Zetkin brought forward the question of organizing an International Working Women’s Day. It was then decided that the International Women’s Day must be celebrated every year in every country and the same day.

International Women’s Day is the story of ordinary women as history makers. It is rooted in the countries old struggle of women to participate in the society on equal footing with men.

Hon Speaker, one of our intentions to honour this day is to reflect and think back on heroic achievements made by our mothers, sisters and daughters in their endeavour to make our lives better than ever before.

In our democratic South Africa, women have taken advantage of opportunities brought about by our new democracy to create better life for all in a country we have inherited from the dark and repressive past.

South Africa is now a model in championing women’s rights in the whole world as it is seen in women representation in parliament and in government. Also men and women with the same skills or education get the same salary, which is opposed to European countries, as there is still a gender gap in wages.

For how long will we use culture as an excuse to oppose human rights of women in South Africa? Our girls are abducted as young as 12 years of age and to be married to old men in the name of culture which you call (Ukuthwala). This is rife in the Eastern Cape around Lusikisiki. These young girls are exposed to the thread of HIV infection and other sexual transmitted diseases and usually are deprived of schooling.

Ukuthwala should be treated as a criminal offence, those involved in abduction should be charged and those having sex with minor girls should be charged with statutory rape.

For as long as our girl children and sisters are trafficked to outside countries as sex slaves, the struggle is not yet over. For as long as our sisters are still clinging to abusive partners because of poverty, the struggle is not over.

As South Africa, we have come a long way and there is still a lot to be done. It is not yet UHURU, ALUTHA CONTINUA.

As I conclude hon Speaker, I urge all women of our country to support and stand side by side with the struggling women and children of the world for their liberation and their ultimate achievement of peace and equality in their countries of birth. I thank you.”

Pretty  Ngubeni (MPL, ANC)