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For all its noise about gender equality and women's rights, Government is
still bullying women through social messages about what is "right" and
"wrong" when it comes to personal choices.

"We have all been shocked by the President's pronouncement that single women
are 'a problem in our society' and that 'You've got to have kids' as a means
of getting 'extra training' as a woman," said the IFP's Spokesperson on
Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Ms Liezl van der Merwe MP.

These statements are not only contrary to our Constitution, which entrenches
gender equality, but are completely insensitive. "Single women and women
without children have been made to feel inferior or somehow 'wrong'," said
van der Merwe, "The President is sowing shame."

The IFP has emphasised that women have a right to choose their path in life
without suffering condemnation. We also stand in support of women who are
struggling with infertility, and families who feel unable to afford to have
children.

"This is not the first time that Government has bullied our women with
aggressive social messages," said van der Merwe, "The IFP intends to point
out in the National Assembly how even the Department of Health is making
women feel inadequate over their mothering decisions when it comes to the
choice of breastfeeding," added van der Merwe.