Hon Speaker, the majority of South African women still bears the scars and remaining effects of the apartheid system, patriarchy - which oppressed them as a class, as women - and as black people.
However, since the dawn of democracy in 1994, the ANC government has made significant progress in empowering women in the spheres of politics, the public sector and education. This is evident in the representation of women in the South African Parliament and legislatures.
Furthermore, we have seen an increase in the appointment of South African women in the echelons of power on the African continent. We are also proud of the South African women who are making a tremendous contribution to the world, especially in the United Nations, and flying the South African flag high in the global arena.
These achievements outlined above are a testament that, really, South Africa is a better place for women today than it was in 1994, although there are still many challenges facing our women.
The ANC thus recommits itself to creating an enabling environment for women in order to for them to improve their participation in income-generating activities in the economy, as well as moving forward in finalising the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill.
This Bill will ensure compliance, both within government and the private sector, with measures intended to promote women empowerment and gender equality. These measures will contribute to the fact that women are liberated from the bondages of exploitation, marginalisation and patriarchy.