The United Nations in the region has expressed satisfaction with regard to South African government’s handling of the COVID-19 outbreak response measures. This emerged during a support partnership dialogue organised by Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane in Pretoria on Monday.
The UN has always been at the forefront of ensuring that girls and women from disadvantaged backgrounds are supplied with feminine hygiene products. They are continuing with the work even during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The partnership is aimed at, among others, ensure that disadvantaged young girls and women are supplied with sanitary products and shelter during the lockdown period and beyond.
South Africa discovered its first COVID-19 case on the 5th of March this year.
The UN envoy to South Africa Nardos Bekele-Thomas says the United Nations is pleased with South Africa’s response measures in fighting the outbreak.
“As the UN we are pleased with the level of government leadership in robust and comprehensive health and socio-economic programs undertaken. What is happening today is a continuation of our commitment in solidarity with the South African government and partners to ensure that gains made towards the achievement of sustainable development goals are not reversed.”
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu says it is time for women to be empowered to start productions that produce sanitary towels. She says this will contribute immensely towards reviving the economy post the lockdown.
“Because the economy has been drastically affected by the COVID-19. As we rise out of that women, must not go and still be struggling the same old way for them being part and parcel of the ownership of the means of production in this country, and list of all something that really speaks to their hearts. So I would like to say this partnership is going to be a long one even when we are gone because it is an institutional one and not based on us.”
Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane says women and girls need support as they are always at the receiving end of every tragedy.
“Every time you have these dramatic events, the most hurt would be the most downtrodden, will be the most vulnerable and in this case will be women particularly when it comes to this very personal and special gift, the menstrual circle. It’s a gift from God to its special people.” In the video below Ministers outline COVID-19 measures targeted at women:
The UN recently launched the 136-million US Dollar South Africa’s Emergency Support Program to meet the needs of 9 million South Africans in particular women. This is in a bid to intensify its contribution in collaboration with 21 other partners.
