The MINISTER OF WOMEN, CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: Hon Chairperson of the NCOP, hon Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, hon members, I thank you for the opportunity to address the NCOP this morning, as we celebrate the centenary anniversary of International Women's Day. It gives me great pleasure and encouragement that our national Parliament and the NCOP remain firmly committed to advancing the struggle for the empowerment of women and gender equality. South Africa is proud of its active participation in the global observation of the centenary of International Women's Day. Yesterday women from all walks of life gathered at Galeshewe Stadium in Kimberley to be part of the national event to observe this profound day in the history of the global struggle for gender equality. Later this afternoon there will also be a debate in the National Assembly on International Women's Day.