Women's Parliament

On the 18th till 20th of August 2008 there was the fourth sitting of the Women’s Parliament. Although not having any political interest I am a great humanitarian and this was a opportunity for Women to air their grievances and tell their government the issues that they where experiencing. The theme for 2008 Women’s Parliament was eradicating poverty. I was voted to speak for women from Gauteng, on the link between increase political representation of women and eradicating poverty. We where honoured to be spoken to by both the President and the first lady, Ms Ramos (Group chief executive of Transnet), Dr Mongella (President of the Pan-African Parliament), as well as many other incredible individuals. What I take away with me is that 52% of our population are women and by empowering them, skilling them and giving them access to opportunities we will take a step towards alleviate poverty. We need women to speak up for themselves but also to speak for other women who have no voice. Through this process we have created a declaration asking for a women’s ministry to be established.