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Financing for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment

During the 2008 SAWID National Dialogue, themed Financing for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, SAWID called for:

  1. An Accountable Planning Ministry with executive authority
  2. A Ministry of Women with a budget and executive authority
  3. A national centre for research and studies on women
  4. Structured and funded institutions with civil society partnerships charged with social mobilization
  5. Creation of a special fund to support women initiatives as well as support infrastructure linkage of poor communities to mainstream municipalities.

These demands were in  alignment with recommendations made after a study tour in September 2006 to Chile and Tunisia to study successful Poverty Eradication strategies. The delegation included representatives from the Presidency, the Finance Department, Foreign Affairs, Social Development, the Independent Development Trust (IDT), and members from two civil society formations, South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID) and the Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMFISA).

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SAWID Applauds the establishment of a Women's Ministry and a National Planning Commission

South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID), a non-partisan civil society initiative, congratulates the fourth democratically elected President of South Africa, Mr. Jacob Zuma, and  his government, on the establishment of key new Ministries, including Women, Youth, Children and People with Disabilities;  Rural Development and Land Reform; Basic Education; and the National Planning Commission.

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High Commissioner Mabuza wins top award

South African High Commissioner, Lindiwe Mabuza was yesterday honoured by the prestigious Diplomat Magazine and presented with the ‘Diplomat of the year from Africa award’.

On receiving the award the High Commissioner said: “It is a great honour to be acknowledged in this way. I am very proud of all my staff at the High Commission, present and past, who continuously work tirelessly towards the objectives set out for them by the government of South Africa.

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Progressive Women's Movement

One of the founding objectives of SAWID was to strengthen the South African Women's Movement in all its formations. The following press statement was recently made by the convenor of the Progressive Women's Movement.

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE CONVENOR OF THE PROGRESSIVE WOMEN'S MOVEMENT ON THE 18TH OF JULY 2006



MESSAGE FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN RED CROSS SOCIETY

Support for victims of xenophobic attacks

Update on the R1 million Emergency Appeal Launched by The South African Red Cross Society in Support of Victims of Recent Urban Violence

South Africans demonstrate their spirit of ubuntu by supporting the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) in its drive to provide emergency relief to the thousands of people affected by the recent acts of violence.

The SARCS Emergency Appeal was launched on Friday 16 May 2008, after it became evident that the numbers of affected people would continue to rise over the weekend.  By 15 May 2008, the estimated number of people who had received assistance from SARCS was 3000. By Monday 19 May, this figure had risen to more than 6000.

SARCS volunteers and staff provide first aid and distribute mainly food, blankets and hygiene and baby kits.  These Red Cross representatives have been working in shifts, often in dangerous and difficult conditions, providing relief and comfort to those affected by the violence.

The Society is preparing to launch an anti-discrimination campaign, based on International Humanitarian Law and promoting the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality for peace and harmony.  It is hoped that this will promote a more long-term solution to the underlying causes of the ongoing violence.

Apart from the many donations, in cash and kind, from concerned South African individuals and families, there has also been generous support from Pick n Pay, MTN and Standard Bank.

However, needs are increasing and SARCS continues to appeal for further donations, in cash and kind. They urge the public to contact their nearest Red Cross branch for information on what items to donate and how (see www.redcross.org.za or call SARCS national office on 021-532-0202). Those wishing to donate cash are asked to use the following account:

Direct Deposit
Standard Bank
Account number: 071760563
Branch: Constantia
Code: 025309		 Online Donations
Make your donation with our secure online facility by visiting http://donations.redcross.org.za

SAWID supports this initiative and would like to urge you to participate in what so ever way you can to demonstrate support. 

We thank you.

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