He further emphasized that in addition to diversity along racial, cultural and religious lines our societies today also continue to face challenges in terms of the HIV/Aids pandemic, growing poverty, unemployment, climate change and gender equality. In regard to gender equality in particular it was noted that although the South African Parliament has close to 45% representation of women, it is nevertheless essential, in addressing a number of these issues, that this be further increased. Socio-economic factors, if not addressed, exacerbate tensions which in turn can diminish the gains made in achieving social cohesion, good governance and reconciliation.