President leads Women's Day celebrations in Nkowankowa
The event honoured the courage of South African women, past and present, while calling for renewed efforts to empower women economically and combat gender-based violence.
Ramaphosa paid tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in August 1956 to protest apartheid's pass laws, praising their role in paving the way for a democratic and non-sexist South Africa.
'This year's Women's Month theme, 'Building Resilient Economies for All,' focuses on increasing women's leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic participation,' he said.
Highlighting progress, Ramaphosa noted women now hold over 42% of parliamentary seats and make up more than a quarter of private sector top managers, placing South Africa second among G20 countries for female representation.
However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, including unemployment, poverty, limited access to services, and patriarchal structures, issues especially acute in Limpopo.
He urged provincial leaders to improve service delivery, particularly water supply, to restore community dignity.
On gender-based violence, Ramaphosa called it the country's 'greatest challenge,' condemning perpetrators and urging a cultural shift to respect and protect women. He outlined government efforts, including stronger laws, more sexual offences courts, and better-equipped police stations such as Bolobedu and Ga-Kgapane.
'Real men do not abuse, rape, or kill women,' he said. 'We must break the silence that allows abuse to thrive.'
Ramaphosa reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding women's opportunities through skills training, funding, and inclusion in sectors like science, technology, and the green economy.
'We cannot and will not leave anyone behind,' he concluded. 'Not now, not ever.'
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba praised the president's visit as a 'shared treasure' for the nation and the world. She likened the spirit of the 69th Women's March to fertile land after rain, inspiring hope and renewed purpose.
She applauded the president's commitment to women's empowerment, reflected in the 50% female representation in his cabinet, a 'seed of promise' for women across the province.
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