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Historic milestones highlight ongoing fight for gender equality: Chikunga Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has linked South Africa’s ongoing struggle for gender equality to key historical milestones, underscoring the role of leadership in advancing social justice. Chikunga made the remarks during her keynote address at a dialogue on Public Leadership for Gender Equality on Tuesday. The event takes place in a significant year for the country, marking 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings, 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, and 30 years since the adoption of South Africa’s democratic Constitution. “Three milestones, three generations, one unfinished struggle,” the Minister said. She noted that each period offers lessons on the relationship between leadership and gender equality. “In 1956, it was ordinary women, not politicians or officials, who led. In 1976, it was young people who refused to accept a system normalised by those in power. And in 1996, constitutional architects ensured that equality was embedded into the DNA of the state,” she said. The Minister paid tribute to struggle icons including Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophie de Bruyn, as well as thousands of unnamed women who resisted both patriarchy and apartheid. “These are the women on whose shoulders we stand today.” Chikunga said the workshop builds on this legacy by equipping public sector leaders with tools to advance gender equality through policy implementation and institutional reform. The programme is hosted in partnership with the Global Center for Gender Equality and supported by the Gates Foundation, with a focus on strengthening leadership capacity across government. It introduces a framework aimed at improving accountability, data-driven decision-making and collaboration across sectors in advancing gender equality. Chikunga said the initiative aligns with government’s mandate to promote the socio-economic empowerment of women, youth and persons with disabilities, in line with the National Development Plan. She added that the partnership reflects efforts to translate global expertise into locally relevant solutions, incorporating South African case studies and policy frameworks. The Minister noted that the dialogue comes at a time when South Africa is being called upon to deepen democracy through tangible outcomes. “Gender equality is not a side issue or a ceremonial matter. It is a constitutional obligation, a developmental imperative, and a test of whether the democratic state is working for all its people,” the Minister said. Despite progress, Chikunga acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly gender-based violence and economic inequality. She reiterated that the department’s mandate is rooted in the country’s liberation history and focuses on advancing the participation and empowerment of women, youth and persons with disabilities through advocacy, monitoring and policy integration. “Central to this mandate is our commitment to transform and empower vulnerable groups into catalysts for socio-economic change, ensuring that no one is left behind. Chikunga urged participants to use the platform to develop practical interventions that will strengthen public institutions and improve outcomes for vulnerable groups. “This is about continuing the work of those who came before us and ensuring that equality becomes a lived reality for all,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za GabiK Tue, 04/21/2026 - 14:28 30 views
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