SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT AND SOCIETY
By Karen Pretorius, Pretoria

September 17, 2003 – (BuaNews - Pretoria) 'The objectives of a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous society cannot be realised unless women have been empowered to participate in all aspects of life as equals with others members of society'.

This is the view of Co-Chairperson of Parliament's Joint Monitoring Committee on Quality of Life and Status of Women, Priscilla Themba.

Ms Themba addressed the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Cape Town yesterday during a discussion on the accomplishments in respect of the quality of life and status of women over the last nine years.

'Women have made significant contribution in Parliament and have added immense value to its debate and the quality of legislation passed by the institution.' she said.

Ms Themba said the increase in the number of women parliamentarians had coincided with an increase in the passing of legislation affecting women.

'Such as the Domestic Violence Act, the Maintenance Act, Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, and Recognition of Customary Marriages Act', she added.

Ms Themba said the Joint Monitoring Committee on Quality of Life and Status of Women had visited all provinces to check on the implementation of these pieces of legislation.

'Whether the implementation of these law are successful or are there any frustrations or problems', she explained.

Ms Themba said the Committee would table a report to the NCOP in this regard in due course.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200309170218.html