Women's parliament gathered to discuss challenges faced by women

Imogen Vollenhoven
21 August 2013

Today was the final day of the 2013 women’s parliament which saw many delegates and women gathering for the change of women abuse and the empowerment of women. 

Deputy Speaker NomaIndia Mfeketo addressed the delegation and discussed many of the issues facing women and the progress made in the sector thus far.

Mfeketo said that as South Africa we have come a long way but more needs to be done to address the issue.

Mfeketo explained that these levels of violence and atrocities if they are left to go on it will undermine the democratic achievements of South Africa’s young democracy.

“What then must women organisations in communities do, what must women parliamentarians should do? We must ignite the spirit to fight these atrocities and continue to improve the lives of ordinary women,” added Mfeketo.

Meanwhile the South African Human Rights Commission has highlighted the gaps that make it difficult for women to address the issues of violence against them.

Provincial Manager in the Western Cape Melanie Dugmore said the challenges that women face range from accessing to justice to being dependant on the abuser who in most cases is the soul provider.

Dugmore explains that there are still those law enforcement agencies with perceptions even though legislation exists.

“In the case of a police officer sitting in a charge office telling a women to go home as her issue is a domestic problem, these perceptions still exists and these practises are still very much alive,” added Dugmore.

She explains that these issues raise a critical challenge about how members of the community and the organs of state are equipped to change the issues and challenges.