Date: 04/03/2009

Source: The Presidency

Title: SA: Tshabalala-Msimang: Address by the Minister in The Presidency of South Africa at the 53rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women, United Nations Headquarters, New York

Chairperson,
Thank you for the opportunity to address you all.

Chairperson,

Surely, the release from imprisonment on bail, of Human Rights activist Madam Jestina Mukoko, Director for Peace Project in Zimbabwe, one of our own must be a welcomed and celebrated move because it constitutes a signal that the Unity Government is ready to take positive steps in steering the country of Zimbabwe to a peaceful settlement. We think the international community should adopt measures that would encourage Zimbabwe's political leadership and the people on the ground to drive this process to a successful conclusion.

A conducive environment now exists for the punitive sanctions to be lifted.
As South Africa enters its 15th year of democracy and prepares for its fourth general democratic elections, our country is taking stock of many of the accomplishments, challenges and lessons learnt with regard to building a democratic and non-sexist society.

In this regard, we are examining our policies and practices in the area of equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men in productive and reproductive life, as well as and the equal participation of women and men in decision-making processes at all levels. South Africa has furthermore assessed current international debates drawing attention to the full spectrum of human vulnerabilities as they relate to women's lack of access to and control of resources, the impact of climate change, food security and the current financial crisis, as well as the threat of conflict, and the building of sustainable peace within the Continent and beyond.

What a breath of fresh air and excitement at the announcement by the representative of the United States during Panel II interactive expert discussions yesterday that the United States will prioritise Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). We thank the United States for the progressive move to be partners in the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.

Having committed ourselves to the Beijing Platform of Action in 1995, we continue to make substantial progress in implementing the commitments of the Beijing Platform of Action. From a legislative point of view, we have enacted a number of laws that protect women from discrimination, abuse and violence: the Domestic Violence Act, Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, Maintenance Act and the Sexual Offences Act, amongst others.

We have sought to strengthen women's employment chances and ensure their retention in the labour force through the Employment Equity legislation and other employment and Labour Laws. Although South Africa's Labour Relations Act puts workers' rights high on our political agenda, there is a need to review issues such as maternity and paternity leave in line with commitments we continue to make globally.

We recognise that our society needs to address aspects pertaining to increasing the role men play in the lifecycle during pregnancy to the delivery of their babies, child-rearing, nurturing, bonding and in sharing of responsibilities for household chores.

Chairperson,

Regarding the equal sharing of responsibilities, as well as care-giving in the context of communicable diseases, including HIV and AIDS, non-communicable diseases, trauma and violence, South Africa is striving towards a more equitable approach to prevention, support and care, including nutrition, treatment and continued ethical research in meaningful consultation and involvement of women. We also believe that concrete recommendations and mechanisms are further needed to ensure visible action with respect to breaking down gender stereotypes and negative traditional and cultural practices to ensure the empowerment of women and men in providing home and community-based care.

Our delegation wishes to urge the international community to invest more resources into basic science research in HIV and AIDS. We also propose that more resources should be dedicated to research on affordable alternatives such as complementary and traditional medicines, as well as nutrition. We are particularly concerned about inadequate drug surveillance and pharmacovigilance capacity, especially in the African region. We therefore call upon our development partners to assist. Surely that must be our comprehensive and collective shared responsibility between men and women of conscience.

South Africa's effort to reach the target of 50 percent representation of women in decision-making positions and politics at all levels by 2015 has gained momentum following the launch on 19 February 2009, of the 50/50 percent Campaign. This is in line with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Gender and Development. Through this Campaign, all political parties are urged to review their electoral lists in order to achieve this particular gender parity. The African National Congress (ANC) electoral list for the forthcoming April elections reflects 50/50 per cent representation.

The intention is to ensure that we surpass the current 42 per cent representation of women in Cabinet and the 33 per cent of women in Parliament towards gender parity. This applies to the private sector and civil society as well. We must continue to support women, and capacitate them to ensure that they are retained in those positions.

Chairperson,

We will pay particular attention in strengthening our national gender machinery through the establishment of a Women's Ministry to be located in the Presidency, well-resourced and with defined authority. The public and private sector have committed to mobilise additional resources to ensure financing for gender equality through financing women's empowerment programmes.

The current global financial crisis highlights the need for greater participation for women in financial decision-making, recognising that the gender dimensions of the consequences of the global financial crisis will have on our women and girls in particular have not received enough attention. The South African Government has initiated engagements with business and social partners to design mechanisms to retain jobs and mitigate the impact of the downturn. The challenge however, remains the effective involvement and benefits by women.

In conclusion Chairperson,

My delegation supports the deliberations regarding the priority theme of this session, specifically as it promotes and raise awareness of the role of women and men in all spheres of life, which supports key areas of economic growth, creates a policy environment as well as opportunities to support the development of women and men. Our vision is to create an enabling environment where women and men meaningfully participate in ensuring that the work in all sectors of society is valued.

I thank you.