Issued by: The Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE ELECTION OF MS MAVIVI YVETTE LILLIAN MYAKAYAKA-MANZINI, MP ELECTED TO THE COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW)
Ms Myakayaka-Manzini MP, has been elected as one of twelve new members of the prestigious Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. This is an international treaty-monitoring body of experts which oversees the implementation by State Parties of the legislative, judicial, administrative or other measures which they have adopted to give effect to the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Twenty-three candidates from the 162 states which are party to the Convention, stood for election.
The advancement of women in South Africa, in terms of the constitution and at all levels of government and society, is well known internationally and South Africa's accomplishments in this field contributed to the strong showing in the election.
Ms Myakayaka-Manzini received the third highest number of votes and her term of office takes effect on 15 April 1998, and runs for a period of four years. She will serve in her personal capacity.
Ms Myakayaka-Manzini is a Member of Parliament, Parliamentary Advisor to the Deputy President and a member of the ANC Women's League and has ben involved in women's issues for many years.
South Africa ratified the CEDAW on 15 December 1995. One hundred and sixty two members of the United Nations are party to the Convention, making it the most widely ratified human rights treaty in the world dealing with measures required for the elimination of discrimination against women.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 22 FEBRUARY 1998