The Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) is joining forces with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, and other government entities to launch Women’s Month 2023 in Durban, KZN on August 1, 2023. The theme of the month-long commemoration is “Accelerating Socio-Economic Opportunities for Women’s Empowerment,” with the aim of creating awareness and promoting gender mainstreaming across various initiatives.
Accelerating Socio-Economic Opportunities for Women
The focal point of the 2023 Women’s Month program is to accelerate socio-economic programs and activities across different economic sectors. The goal is to create more opportunities for women’s inclusion and empowerment. Women will be able to find employment in these sectors or develop their entrepreneurship or businesses.
Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, highlights the importance of Women’s Month: “Women’s Month is a time to highlight the plight of women and equally reflect on the strides that we have made as the country in the advancement of women’s socio-economic emancipation.”
The Blue Economy and Other Sectors
One area of interest is exploring opportunities for women in the ocean economy or the blue economy. This sector has a wide range of value chains that can be leveraged for the socio-economic advancement of women, young women, and women with disabilities (WYPD). Women’s Month will also include initiatives within the agricultural sector, green economy, waste sector, manufacturing sector, technology and innovation sector, and others across the country.
National Women’s Day
National Women’s Day is commemorated annually in South Africa on August 9. Since being declared a National Day in 1994, it has celebrated the historical achievements of women stalwarts in their struggle against oppression, subjugation, and disenfranchisement. It also highlights the ongoing pursuit of women’s empowerment, advancement, and the achievement of gender equality.
BRICS Business Breakfast
This year’s Women’s Month will be launched by a BRICS Business Breakfast, in accordance with the theme. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, will deliver the keynote address. The event aims to bring together women leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to facilitate discussions on gender empowerment, creating a platform for networking and collaboration.
A Holistic Approach to Women’s Empowerment
The 2023 Women’s Month is an essential step for South Africa, reaffirming its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. The government is actively working towards creating a more inclusive society by focusing on socio-economic opportunities. The wide array of sectors involved in the Women’s Month program underscores the importance of a holistic approach to women’s empowerment, ensuring that multiple facets of the economy are considered.
South Africa’s Women’s Month 2023 aims to make a tangible impact on the lives of women, young women, and women with disabilities. By accelerating socio-economic opportunities and integrating gender mainstreaming across various sectors, the government is leading the charge for women’s empowerment and gender equality. This initiative will inspire other nations to follow suit.
