As a number of Southern African countries prepare for local and national elections, the second annual Gender Justice and Local Government Summit held in Benoni, Johannesburg last week has called for an increase in women representation.
The summit also called for an end to gender-based violence.
The summit brought together 265 SADC representatives and included local government authorities, gender ministries, municipalities, civil society and journalists. It also attracted mayors and deputy-mayors throughout the region.
A special parallel session was devoted to the issue of care work, attracting members of parliament, caregivers and NGOs working in this sector. Participants showcased local-level initiatives to fight gender-based violence at the same time decrying the lack of commitment on the part of SADC governments to fulfill obligations outlined in the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development.
“In the last century we fought slavery, colonialism and apartheid. Women's rights are the cause for the current century. We cannot eliminate poverty if we do not have women's representation and participation,” said Gender Links Chairperson Muna Ndulo.
