When I addressed the National Women's Conference in Gauteng on 3 August this year, I spoke about the problems of patriarchy and the need to engage men and boys in the work of gender equality. I went on to say that changing patriarchal attitudes and practices goes to the centre of democracy and the spirit of the Constitution and that there is recognition that patriarchy and economic exclusion are the roots of discrimination against women.
It was in this context that I referred to the planned gender equality Bill. The Bill will align and strengthen co-ordination between the various laws, policies and practices, including those that talk to patriarchy and that are intended to promote gender equality, as well as co-ordination within government itself, and between government and its key social and development partners. The Bill is being piloted by the Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities and it would thus be better to engage directly with her regarding the details.
However, as you may be aware, I also stated in my address at the conference that policy and legislation are critical in changing practices based on patriarchal attitudes and behaviour, but it is difficult to legislate attitudes away. For this purpose there needs to be work that focuses on changing attitudes.
While these attitudes permeate all sections of society, government is seeking to engage traditional leaders in particular, as the custodians of culture, and to work towards incorporating aspects of gender in their initiation schools. We are also seeking to include gender issues as part of the school curriculum of the Department of Basic Education.
I trust that members of this National Council will also assist in engaging their constituents and constituencies in promoting a change in attitudes on matters of patriarchy.