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More needs to be done for advancement of women: Mathekga

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Political analyst Ralph Mathekga says that more needs to be done to ensure the inclusion of women in society. He adds that although the country has committed to an equal society through the adoption of the Constitution, there are still some shortfalls when it comes to the demonstration of this. Mathekga was speaking to SABC News Online ahead of the Women’s Day celebrations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

According to Mathekga corporate South Africa is lagging behind when it comes to the inclusion of women. Statistics reveal that women occupy only 3.6 % of Chief Executive Officers positions, 5.5% of chairpersons positions, 17.1 % of directorships and 21.4% of executive management positions. He says that societal institutions need to ensure that they reflect the values carried out in the constitution.

Mathekga however acknowledges the strides that have been made towards women empowerment. He highlights the representation of women in leading government positions as one of the achievements of the African National Congress government. Post the 2014 general election in May, women ministers comprise 43% of the cabinet, women deputy ministers make up 46% of the total number of deputy ministers and women make up 41% of the National Assembly.

According to Mathekga, the government’s formation of the Ministry of Women in the Presidency also shows its commitment and progress in addressing challenges facing women. Some of the challenges that he lists include gender based violence, poverty and unemployment.

Click below to listen to the interview with Mathekga:

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