Address by Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, International Conference on Woman and Employment, Maputo

Salutations
Programme Director,
His Excellency Armando Emilio Guebuza
Her Excellency Prime Minister Dr Luisa Diogo
Excellencies
Ministers
Deputy Ministers
Country Representatives
Distinguished guests, friends
Ladies and gentlemen

Introduction

Firstly let me thank you for the gracious hospitality and for the invitation to be part of this extra-ordinary conference at a time when we in South Africa are celebrating Women's month. (August)

I want to thank you too for the excellent analysis and for putting on the agenda the important issue of employment and women. The three unholy alliances of Poverty, Unemployment and Inequality have the greatest impact on women. And within this context, it is Employment that is a necessary condition to win against both poverty and inequality.

And it is women that are a necessary condition to substantially and inter-generationally win against poverty. Hence, to invest in women's education and therefore their ability to enter the labour market and be economically empowered is the greatest investment any family, community and country can make.

With greater economic empowerment and increased investment in women, it stands to reason that the quality of life within any family will improve. The elements of childcare, nutrition care of the aged and the capacity to fight abuse all improve because of this.

The biggest question and challenge for Africa is finding options that are predictable, where entry barriers for women into the market are removed and women can enter. These elements that give women a fighting chance include Education and micro-credit. Some of the sectors that our countries under-invest in, and that are critical for women, include agriculture.

I can report that in South Africa, our government has been steadfast in creating an enabling environment conducive for the empowerment of women and children, particularly the girl-child. Yet the challenges and contradictions are enormous. Despite progressive legislation that guarantees the promotion and protection of human rights in general and women's rights in particular, women still find it difficult to enter previously male dominated spheres.

This conference will play an important role in pointing us in the right direction. Without us finding answers to the crucial issues of woman's employment, and the spin-offs this brings, poverty in Africa cannot be won. Mozambique on our continent is one of the economies that are a beacon of light, and it is most appropriate that we are holding the meeting here.

I want to thank you again for inviting us to be part of this important event. And I wish to express my appreciation for the exceptional role and leadership Prime Minister Luisa Diogo plays in both the economic and political promotion of women.

I thank you.

Issued by: The Presidency
15 August 2008