Issued by: Gauteng Legislature
12 August 1997
The GAUTENG Provincial Legislature will host the inaugural annual "Young Women's Parliament" on Friday, 15 August 1997 from 10h00 to 14h00, at the Legislature Building in the Johannesburg CBD, corner Loveday and President streets.
The aim of the event is to create a link between a parliament and the community and to give young women an opportunity to gain experience on how the legislature works. The Young Women's Parliament is also focused on creating further gender and youth awareness within the legislature and the broader community.
With this attempt young women align themselves with the vision to move towards a world in which women and men have equal rights and opportunities in all stages of their lives, a world in which women and men are respected and valued as equal and able partners in establishing the values of social justice, equity, democracy and respect for human rights.
Young women from various institutions throughout GAUTENG will participate in a sitting of the House to debate the following issues:
I. Young Women and Economic Empowerment
II. The Justice System
III. Health and Welfare
The 80 participants, who represent Non Governmental Organisations, Community-based Organisation,s Youth Organisations and Political Parties, will form themselves randomly into political parties which bear no resemblance to any of the parties represented in the Legislature, in order to conduct the sitting. They will also elect a Speaker, Premier, MECs, and other office bearers for the debate.
Personality guests include Chairperson of National Youth Commission Ms Mahlengi Bhengu, Vice Chairperson of National Youth Commission Ms Nomfundo Mbuli, and Dr Manto Tshabalala (Department of Justice).
The event is also a photo opportunity.
Kind Regards Yours faithfully Simphiwe Ndzingani (Media Office)