The MINISTER OF WOMEN, CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: Hon Speaker and hon members, it is encouraging that this august House has allocated this day for the debate on International Women's Day. We are demonstrating once again that our country, under the leadership of the ANC, is firmly committed to advancing the struggle of the empowerment of women and gender equality. South Africa is proud of its active participation in the global observation of the centenary of International Women's Day under the theme, "Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women".