Issued by: Department of Justice
MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE ON THE GENDER POLICY CONSIDERATIONS DOCUMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
I am pleased to be able to announce the publication of the Discussion Paper on Gender Policy Considerations for the Department of Justice. It has been developed by the Gender Directorate of this Department over a number of months and has already benefited from consultation within the Department and limited consultations with civil society.
The document is intended to elicit ideas and comments from civil society, NGO's, research units and other governmental departments ad structures and to establish a framework for policy formulation. In this regard three workshops will be held on:
2 December 1997 Mafikeng, North West Province Venue Embassy Hall Sarel Eloff Street Mafikeng Time 09h00-17h30
3 December 1997 Eastern Cape Venue Stage House (next to Legislation B Bisho Time 08h00-16h00
8 December 1997 Northern Cape Venue Upington Community Hall Pabelelo Upington Time 08h30-17h30
The Department is strongly committed to finalising and implementing a gender policy. It is critical that the policy truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our diverse community. Justice must be dispensed fairly, effectively and in a manner which treats the people of this country with respect and dignity. This requires the adoption of policies and other measures which respond to the specific areas with a view of eliminating inequality between men and women. This requires the adoption and other measures which respond to the specific areas with a view of eliminating inequality between men and women. A well thought-out gender policy is an essential ingredient in achieving that result.
The Department seeks comments, suggestion and ideas on this draft policy to enable the legal system to become truly representative and responsive to the needs of the entire South African community. Submissions must reach the Department by 28 February 1998.
Please forward written submissions to:
NATIONAL OFFICE
Ms Z Moletsane Director: Gender and Children's Issues Department of Justice Private Bag X 81 PRETORIA 0001 Fax: (012) 321 1922
The Department of Justice is committed to a process of ongoing consultation with civil society in the policy formulation process, non-discrimination, equal opportunities and equal access to justice by all.
ISSUED BY THE CHIEF DIRECTORATE: COMMUNICATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PRETORIA 28 NOVEMBER 1997
ENQUIRIES: Amanda Haasbroek Tel: (012) 323 9302 x2184 Fax: (012) 321 8291
Zelda Moletsane Tel: (012) 323 9302 x2113 Fax: (012) 321 1922