Chairperson, I want to start off by saying that, when we speak of equal opportunities, whoever said that should be careful because she belongs to a party that is antipoor and has no plan to eradicate poverty. When we speak of equal opportunities we must also make sure that the playing ground is level enough, so that if you have 50%, I must also have 50% and we can compete fairly. So I don't understand how, if you have been in the market while I have never been there, you want to compete with me "fairly" and you call that a fair, open society and equal opportunity. [Interjections.] But let us wait for the Budget Vote debate, and then we will engage more on this issue.
I must also remind the hon member that when she speaks about those issues, we from the ANC, particularly the ANC Women's League, want to note that this year we will be celebrating the 55th year of the ANC Women's League. So, she had better be careful with regard to her facts.
I also want the House to note something that has never happened before. In this debate, three officials from the ANC Women's League were participating - its president, deputy president and the treasurer. [Applause.] So, to us this is serious. We don't want to do cheap politicking, as others are doing.
We really pay tribute to the selfless efforts of many women across the globe who remain champions of the tireless fight for advancing the lives of women. In particular I want to pay homage to the heroines of our nation and the African continent who remain steadfast in fighting for respect, and the rights and dignity of women.
As has been said, this day originated at a conference held in Copenhagen in 1910, where the call for the observance of an international women's day in recognition of the struggle of women for socioeconomic rights and emancipation from patriarchy was enthusiastically endorsed. The recognition of this day by the international community and leaders was an unequivocal recognition of the important role played by women in societies across the globe. It was indeed the culmination of tireless working women across the world conducting a fearless and highly organised struggle to have their rights as women and working-class women recognised. So, when you speak but you don't know what it is to suffer, or you simply say that just because today it is easier to say that, please be careful. Don't play with our sensitivities.
The concept of celebrating a decade of women took root in 1975 at the first World Conference on Women in Mexico. In acknowledgement of the African continent's efforts regarding women's empowerment, the AU declared the years 2010 - 2020 the African Women's Decade. This pronouncement presents an opportunity for countries and civil society within Africa to address the political, social and economic challenges facing women. It gives rise to the need for greater implementation of gender-sensitive policies during this decade and a strategy that calls for appropriate measures to be taken in order to bring about profound social and economic changes for women.
As the ANC and women of Africa, we call on those countries, particularly in our region - the SADC region - where there is still no democracy and women have no role to play to make sure that the winds of change move to those countries.
At the launching of the African Women's Decade in Nairobi last year, the Kenyan President, Mwai Kibaki, said, "We have learnt that education holds the key to unlocking obstacles to women's empowerment."
With the encouragement of the AU, women's groups across the African continent will be coming together to lobby, learn leadership and conflict negotiating skills, draw strength and support each other in creating a better life for themselves and their families.
I want to say that South Africa sets a good example. We have done something very good. We even top the other women of this continent. Consider the history of the Maasai women - this was also on TV this morning. The Maasai women say they can now work better and are more liberated now. They can read and write and bank their own money, something that was not possible before. At least South Africa is leading Africa. [Applause.]
I also want to say that South Africa is host to the Pan-African Women's Organisation, Pawo. For those of you who do not know what that is, it is a continental body for the women of Africa and it has no colour or race. I note this, Chair, because sometimes when we speak of Africans some people always think we refer to black people. Africa is a continent with many races. We need to strengthen Pawo as a continental body of women through our participation. We are an affiliated country. Some people do not even know these things, which is why they speak of equal opportunities, meaning only one province, of course.
However, there is still a deeply rooted resistance on the part of conservative elements in society, who are responsible for discriminatory practices against change. We are aware that women's reproductive and productive roles are closely linked to the political, economic, social, cultural, legal, educational and religious conditions that constrain the advancement of women. And that factor is intensifying the economic exploitation, marginalisation and oppression of women. It stems from chronic inequalities, injustice and exploitative conditions at the family, community, national, subregional, regional and international levels. I do not want to repeat what hon Kasienyane has just said.
The contribution of African women to the continent's liberation struggle often remains in the shadows of history, even though women played a central role in those national liberation struggles. As I have just said, if one looks at the role played by Pawo, which was formed even before the OAU, you find that no one speaks about Pawo but only about the AU and other continental bodies. Women's sacrifices and contributions during the struggle for liberation do not necessarily translate into formal positions of power in postcolonial Africa. Low levels of education, feminine poverty and patriarchal notions of politics being a man's domain all conspire to lock women out of political office.
Women's leadership abilities at community level must be given the opportunity to translate to the national stage. In order to strengthen women's educational and economic status, governments must address deeply entrenched gender biases in educational systems and increase women's access to land, credit and other areas.
We have also touched on issues of globalisation - I think my president spoke about that. I want to add a few things. Globalisation has played a major role in further undermining gender equality. It has intensified the existing inequalities and insecurities for many poor women, who already represent two thirds of the world's poorest people.
As we enter this decade of African women, civil society and the governments of this continent must dedicate themselves in word and deed to the support of initiatives meant to bolster the status of African women in social, economic and political life.
In conclusion, the ANC recognises the tremendous strides made over the past 100 years, as evidenced by the role that women now play in the state, economy and other sectors. We will continue to play a leading role in bringing about the full emancipation of women.
Lastly, may I take this opportunity to invite all women, Ministers included, and of course our guests, to a lunch in the Assembly dining hall. [Interjections.] This is not a sexist practice. We need to educate and engage with those among us who are still in darkness, like that hon member. Thank you. [Laughter.] [Applause.]