Right! House Chairperson, The gender gap that exists in South Africa is a reflection of the systemic nature of exclusion and disadvantage faced by women, whether as a result of apartheid or of the broader patterns of patriarchy found in present-day South Africa. Now I use the word "patriarchy" here with much caution only too aware that gender advocacy has so often positioned itself as the enemy of a women' right to freedom of belief and their freedom to express that belief as they choose. As a Christian by choice and a feminist having lived my 65 plus years of life in a world with systems and traditions designed to sustain a male- dominated world, learning to appreciate the sacrifices and achievements of those who stood up for women on many fronts and now aware of the remaining strongholds in much of our thinking that still disempowers women. I am committed to doing what I can to ensure gender relations take on a healthier balance.