Further, I want to emphasise that we need the concerted inclusion and participation of traditional leaders in all the platforms that seek to build our society, as they have been active agents historically in building unity in our communities.
Women must be at the forefront of championing these values. Having achieved a 50:50 quota of gender parity in government, we must now pursue policies and actions that will contribute to the full emancipation of women. The ANC has always championed the idea that women's rights are human rights, and I am very proud that we continue to live out this ideal.
The rights of women include our right to bodily integrity so that we can decide what to do with our own bodies and our own lives. These are the values of choice and substantive democratic practice that should shape our people and our institutions. I want to take this opportunity to call on all women in positions of power and influence not to rest on their laurels. We have a responsibility to continue the fight against all forms of discrimination, especially because of the positions we have been privileged enough to hold.
Towards the achievement of these values, the Presidency must take the lead in working with inclusive women's organisations, such as the Progressive Women's Movement, to address common challenges facing women regardless of their station in life. While we say, "A woman's place is not in the kitchen," as Ambassador Mthintso usually says, we must all know that there are women who still do not have a kitchen, and for us the struggle continues. [Applause.]
Mr President, the existing partnership between government and business under your stewardship is commendable. However, there must be an understanding that the economy is still in the hands of a few South Africans, predominantly white males, and a growing but small black male elite.
It is now high time for a social compact that aims to transform the economy for the benefit of all South Africans. The so-called democratic dividend must be for all who work and live in South Africa. In terms of women's participation in the economy, we need to continue to open doors for women to do business, through providing access to skills, capital and preferential procurement processes.
The relationship between government and the workers must be nurtured consistently, given the role that workers play in the economy. We must continue to promote and protect the rights of workers. Of course, we expect them to exercise these rights responsibly.
Equally, we expect the leaders of companies to be responsible stewards of the economy, and to avoid the risk of sacrificing long-term growth and sustained job creation by succumbing to the type of greed which precipitated ... [Interjections.]