Hon Deputy Chairperson, hon Minister, my hon colleagues, all distinguished guests, ladies and gentleman, our topic today is: "Working together for equal opportunities and progress for all women". I must be honest and admit to you today that I was surprised but not too excited to have been asked to make this speech.
I have not been a strong proponent of the women's movement simply because I did not believe in being treated differently just because I am a woman. I believed, rather, that a person should progress according to merit and ability. Personal opinions aside, however, I also cannot turn a blind eye to the reality that is still around us, even after all the progress women have already made towards equal opportunity.
I will always remember how my own mother was never allowed to sit and eat with us at the dining table; how she always had to keep quiet and be submissive at any family gathering; and how she never had the opportunity to pursue an education and, as a result, had to raise her three children doing hard labour and manual work. Despite all the adversity my mother had to go through as a woman, she never made us feel inferior as daughters, or that we were not worth the stuff dreams were made of. That is why I found the strength to always strive for more and reach higher, rather than feeling like all women are born to suffer. My mother's struggles made me realise that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
It is undeniable that women have become invaluable assets in the economy as they bring different qualities to any organisation. Traditionally being carers and keepers, women possess a deep understanding and empathy for others, have good communication and multitasking skills, are inclusive leaders who are open to suggestions, and are skilled at resolving conflict and handling stress.
Although women have made headway in entering the economy, the scale is still vastly unbalanced with most economic sectors still dominated by men. At grass-roots level, even more inequality against women continues to exist. In many parts of the world, including South Africa, women, especially those in rural areas, are still being deprived of an education and opportunities of employment. Worse still, they are not even aware that they have rights and choices about their lives.
Startling statistics from the SA Institute of Race Relations indicate that more than 72 000 girls aged between 13 and 19 did not attend school in 2009 because they were pregnant. Something is very wrong with our country if we are encouraging girls as young as 13 to become mothers.
Let this year's Women's Day not be just another public holiday, but one that makes a difference. Let us actively do something to change our current situation. My colleagues in the National Assembly have raised a number of ideas.
In conclusion, I want to echo my leader, Helen Zille, when she said that parents have two most important jobs to do: to raise sons who value women, their choices and their capabilities, and to raise daughters with a belief in the validity of their voice and in themselves. Parents, therefore, need to be informed and educated about individual rights and responsibilities, for both children as well as adults.
We need a culture that values education and respects equality, and to instil this in our future generations. We will then ensure that our children, both girls who become women and boys who become men, have access to, receive, and go on to complete a quality education. This will be the foundation of open opportunity for all. Equal opportunity and progress for women also means equal opportunity and progress for all. This is not only the responsibility of women, but the responsibility of society as a whole. I thank you. [Applause.]