Chairperson, women around the world struggle to access their basic human rights. Yet it is clear around the world that women and children are two of the most vulnerable groups and are struggling to find a voice and, more importantly, value in their society.
The struggles common to all women are human rights struggles - the struggle for equality, justice, full participation and inclusion. The rights are simply words. As legislators we need to ensure that these words translate into action.
Therefore, while we can situate South African women's rights struggles as part of both gender and multicultural struggles, we need to go one step further. The only way we can truly recognise and meet the demands of complex identities is through a human rights approach.
Empowerment is a critical aspect of such an approach. The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Judge Navi Pillay, had the following to say:
Empowerment is predicated on the removal of discriminatory laws and harmful practices that hold women back, frustrate their resourcefulness, and curtail their access to a fair share of the common wealth.
In the quest for health care, whether maternal rights or accessing antiretroviral, ARV, treatment or not, it is imperative that access has no barriers. This means that health budgets must be adequately resourced, financially and with manpower. It is only then that human rights for all South Africans can become a reality.
As the nation's primary health care consumers, women have a critical stake in the shape and function of the health care system. Because of women's reproductive health needs and longer life span, women use more health services than men. We must look to the health care delivery system as a primary resource.
In conclusion, yes, health rights are human rights and what is required from parliamentarians across party lines is a commitment to action. Action! Action! We need to begin to act so that infant mortality rates drop and MDR- TB and XDR-TB become nonexistent, simply by accessing immunisation. Thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]