Furthermore, the commission looked at the issue of the empowerment of rural women, the role they play in food security and the eradication of poverty, and the challenges they face. This will be the priority theme for 2012. As such, South Africa will need to begin its preparations now for next year's session. In addition - in October this year - the fifth World Congress for Rural Women will be held in India. Hon members will recall that South Africa hosted the fourth World Congress for Rural Women in 2007, in Durban.