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The Department of Women will host over 100 girl learners from various provinces at the Presidential Inauguration at Loftus Stadium on Saturday, 25 May 2019. Held under the theme: Together celebrating democracy: Renewal and growth for a better South Africa, the aim is to ensure girls and young women are exposed to and participate in South Africa’s democracy through active citizenship.

This initiative aims to strengthen young women’s full and equal participation and understanding of South Africa’s democratic processes in order to ensure their leadership skills are developed. The Department of Women believes that strong, smart, bold girls with leadership qualities will continue to champion the eradication of gender inequalities that persist.

The Presidential Inauguration coincides with Africa Day 2019. Learners will be challenged to understand the geopolitics of the continent and to appreciate South Africa’s history of support provided by African countries. Learners will also be sensitised to the contributions of the South African government through economic, political and social initiatives impacting on the development of the continent.

The participation of girls and young women in our democratic processes gives effect to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Goal 5 to promote gender equality and empowerment of women. The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Ms Bathabile Dlamini stated that “Eradicating gender disparities requires young women to become activists who understand historical contexts when dismantling structural inequalities that persist”.

Issued by the GCIS on behalf of the Department of Women