Parliament, Friday, 18 October 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities met on Tuesday to discuss the Commission for Gender Equality’s (CGE) annual report for 2023/24 and its performance in the first quarter of 2024/25.
Members of the committee expressed concerns regarding the visibility and effectiveness of commissioners in their respective provinces. The committee said commissioners must take a proactive approach in engaging with communities to promote gender equality and address the specific needs of women and persons with disabilities. The committee highlighted the importance of commissioners not only fulfilling administrative duties but also actively participating in outreach programmes and community initiatives.
The committee raised questions about the support and resources available to commissioners, urging the CGE to ensure that they are well-equipped to carry out their responsibilities. The need for a clear strategy to enhance the commissioners' impact was a central theme in the discussions.
Members of the committee stressed the importance of engaging with traditional leaders to foster a collaborative approach to addressing gender inequality and promoting women’s rights within rural communities. The CGE was encouraged to strengthen its efforts in building partnerships with traditional authorities to ensure that gender-equality initiatives are culturally relevant and effectively implemented.
Concerns were also raised regarding the challenges women face in accessing justice and resources within traditional structures. The committee urged the CGE to advocate for reforms that promote gender equality and empower women within traditional settings. This includes addressing barriers that prevent women from participating in decision-making processes and ensuring their voices are heard.
Members emphasised the importance of ensuring that legislative recommendations made by the CGE are not merely proposals but lead to actionable changes. Members expressed concern about over-administration within government structures, which can hinder the effective implementation of programmes aimed at combating gender-based violence. The committee highlighted the potential overlap in responsibilities between various councils, urging a clear understanding of roles and collaboration among different structures.
The CGE acknowledged these concerns and committed to enhancing its engagement with commissioners and traditional communities.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WOMEN YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, MS LINDELWA DUNJWA
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 4974694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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