SADTU WOMEN’S DAY STATEMENT 2024
09 August 2024
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) joins the rest of the country in honouring women on August 9 – National Women’s Day and Women’s Month. On this day 68 years ago women from all walks of life marched to the Union Buildings to protest the pass laws that were used to restrict the movement of black South Africans to keep the apartheid regime.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women’s Development” calls on the country to reflect on the strides South Africa has made towards women’s emancipation since the dawn of democracy.
We commend the policies and legislations that have been enacted to empower and protect women and address gender inequality. These have allowed women to take up leadership positions in political, social, and professional spheres with some breaking the glass ceiling. However, the numbers are negligible. Inequality and poverty still exist while unemployment and gender-based violence continue to be challenges faced by many women in the country.
We welcome the laws that have been passed to tackle gender-based violence. However, women continue to suffer abuse, harassment and many have been killed by their partners while carrying protection orders against them. Our criminal justice system needs to adopt more stringent measures that can deter men from committing femicide.
In December 2021, South Africa ratified the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190 (C190) which seeks to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work. Work is ongoing at NEDLAC to ensure that our laws align with the provisions of C190.
As we strive towards ensuring equity and quality for women, certain cultural practices and norms continue to perpetuate gender stereotyping that fuel gender-based violence. The r World Health Organisation reported that South Africa has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the world with one in four girls becoming pregnant before they reach the age of 20. We believe gender inequality and gender-based violence are some of the contributing factors to teenage pregnancies. A sizeable number of these learners are between the ages of 10 and 16, meaning they became pregnant through statutory rape. However, there have been fewer arrests as most cases go unreported. According to the Prevention and Management of Learner pregnancy policy is schools, schools are obliged to report these cases. When they do, they put themselves in the line of fire with the families.
A lot has been done to ensure that pregnant learners are supported to continue their schooling, but many drop out. This affects their chances of progressing in life.
As a union in education, SADTU believes laws and policies alone cannot end women oppression and abuse. We believe education has a critical role to play in changing beliefs and attitudes. Education should not only provide skills for the world of work, but the curriculum should promote justice for all, respect for fellow human beings, more especially women and children.
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat