Pretoria: Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli has urged a significant shift from mere symbolic commitments to concrete actions in the pursuit of gender equality in South Africa. Speaking during the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) debate commemorating International Women’s Day, Mhlauli emphasized the necessity for policies to result in measurable improvements in the lives of women and girls.
According to South African Government News Agency, Mhlauli highlighted the need for the government and society to transition from declarations to practical implementation. She stressed that the focus should be on moving from commemoration to implementation and from promises to measurable outcomes. The Deputy Minister underscored that confronting harmful social norms and the role of male socialization is crucial in tackling gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Mhlauli pointed out the importance of addressing the socialization of men and boys, which perpetuates violence, entitlement, and control. She cited the justice system’s acknowledgment of programs aimed at positively changing the attitudes of men and boys in areas with high levels of violence against women, describing this intervention as a form of prevention.
Boys should be guided toward a vision of masculinity characterized by respect, responsibility, and accountability, Mhlauli asserted. She called upon men in influential positions, such as fathers, brothers, coaches, and community leaders, to actively challenge violence against women, warning that silence is tantamount to permission.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the necessity of promoting positive masculinity as a societal norm, not just a short-term campaign. She referenced the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group Chairperson’s Statement, which highlighted the importance of the care economy and women’s financial inclusion as central to women’s empowerment.
Mhlauli noted that women’s unequal share of unpaid care burdens is a significant barrier to their economic participation. She advocated for investment in care infrastructure and the removal of barriers to women’s access to finance as essential steps toward economic justice and violence prevention.
As South Africa marks the 70th anniversary of the historic women’s march of 1956, Mhlauli reminded the nation of the collective courage and action required to defend rights. She called for strengthening access to justice by improving the legal system and providing better support for survivors.
Economic empowerment should be bolstered by real opportunities for women entrepreneurs, including access to procurement, finance, and markets. Prevention must remain a central pillar in addressing gender-based violence by reshaping community values and fostering respectful relationships.
Mhlauli concluded by stressing that meaningful progress in advancing gender equality will require collaboration across all sectors of society, including government, civil society, and business.