With Women’s Month in full swing, residents of the Northern Cape say that while strides have been made to uplift women, more needs to be done to win the fight against gender-based violence.

‘Today as women, government recognises us and listens to our voices, and we are represented in government departments and in Parliament. However, women still suffer at the hands of the perpetrators of gender-based violence, and many have been killed by those who do not understand the role or the importance of women in communities. We wish government can do more to protect women,’ Sandra Booi, a resident of Pofadder, told SAnews.

Booi was one of hundreds of citizens who attended the national commemoration of Women’s Day at Denis Nel Stadium in Pofadder, Northen Cape, on Friday.

Lettie Swart, a resident of Upington, told SAnews that the commemoration of Women’s Day demonstrates government’s commitment to the cause of women.

‘Women are the pillars of every society. Women played a crucial role during the struggle against t
he apartheid regime. Women were at the forefront and they deserve to be recognised,’ Swart said.

Echoing the same sentiment, Johannes Matsaboge said: ‘It’s time that women are recognised and occupy senior positions in government. Women are capable of doing what men can do.’

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the celebrations under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women’s Development”.

The President, joined by Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul and other government officials, signed a pledge for South African men to end gender-based violence and femicide.

The national event marks 68 years to the day since 20 000 women of diverse backgrounds from across South Africa marched on the Union Buildings to protest against the extension of the pass laws to women.

Source : South African Government News Agency