SADTU OBSERVES WOMEN’S DAY AND WOMEN’S MONTH
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) joins the nation in commemorating National Women’s Day on 9 August and observing Women’s Month throughout August.
National Women’s Day, declared a public holiday in the new democratic dispensation post 1994, honours the courageous women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on this day in 1956 to protest the extension of oppressive pass laws to women by the apartheid regime. This day and the entire month, also serves to pay tribute to invaluable contribution of women in the struggle for liberation and to reflect on the on-going fight for gender equality.
This year’s Women’s Month theme, “Building Resilient Economies for All,” highlights the role of women as central drivers of economic growth. It affirms the belief that women’s knowledge, skills and influence extends far beyond themselves, positively impacting families, communities, and society at large. When women are capacitated and given the space to lead and influence, the benefits are felt by all.
Women prove daily, whether at work, in the home, in sports, politics or church that they are capable of great achievements when afforded equal opportunities. Significant changes have been made in enacting appropriate legislation to ensure women are not discriminated based on gender. However, gender inequality persists. Women continue to face higher unemployment rates, and men remain disproportionately represented in managerial executive decision-making positions.
As a union in education, we are encouraged by the steady improvement in the academic performance of girl learners, with more passing matric and achieving quality results such as bachelor passes. This progress increases their potential to participate meaningfully in the economy and improve their overall wellbeing. This, in turn, will produce ripple effects within their communities.
However, academic achievement alone does not guarantee that women will access the opportunities they deserve. In some cases, religious and cultural norms and practises continue to limit women’s potential. Furthermore, gender-based violence remains a scourge with many women living in fear of their partners, despite the existence of laws aimed at protecting them.
As a Union in education, SADTU firmly believes that education is key to transforming mindsets and eradicating discriminatory attitudes. Our education system must not only equip leaners with skills for changing world of work but also develop them into holistic human beings who are caring, tolerant and gender sensitive. We remain committed to lobbying for a curriculum that promotes these values and helps create a just and equitable society.
SADTU wishes all women a Happy Women’s Day and Month.
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat