Hon Deputy Speaker, as we celebrate Women's Month this August, the ACDP wishes to take this opportunity to extend its warm and best wishes to all the women of South Africa. It is well known that in terms of gender, women make up 51% of our population. The ACDP commends the heroines of our country who are the strong threads that keep the fabric of our communities together. We know and understand the sometimes difficult circumstances that many women, particularly those in the rural areas, have to endure as they are often on the receiving end of crime, poverty and the inherent socials ills prevalent in their workplaces and the areas in which they reside.
It is for this reason that the ACDP has worked tirelessly with others, giving input into and supporting the passing of the human trafficking Bill. The ACDP is pleased that its work in this area has finally paid dividends. The passing of this Bill is a step in the right direction and works towards addressing the abuses that many women face. The ACDP is certainly proud to have been a part of this process.
The ACDP salutes all women who are pillars in our country and who are in many instances the backbone of our communities. All women have the right to safety and security, and the ACDP believes that it is possible to build a country, a society and communities where our women do not feel threatened or unsafe in their own homes.
In this light the ACDP welcomes the initiative by government to reopen the sexual offences courts. We have always said that these courts should not have been closed in the first place. As we build into the 21st century, may we never again speak of the battle of the sexes, but may we speak of the unity, oneness and togetherness of both male and female, while remembering the Biblical injunction: "How can two walk together, unless they agree?" [Applause.]