Speech on Beijing Plus 10 Parliamentary review by Patricia de Lille
2004-09-09. The original Beijing declarations calls for all countries to have a national action plan to improve and address all aspects of gender discrimination, equity and advancement. During the UN 23rd General Assembly Special Session on Beijing +5, governments unanimously agreed to regularly assess further implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA). The processes should lead to a stronger focus on the implementation and impacts, sharing of experiences and good practices, identification of gaps and challenges, increased political will and clear commitments from governments.
Some achievements:
Conflict and Peace
Women continue to be the most harmed by conflict and yet early warning systems, peace agreements and post-conflict legislation often fail to address their needs. The prevalence of conflict and in particular its impact on women and children is matter which the South African Parliament can do more about. Given that we currently chair the Peace and Security Council of the African Union led by Dr Zuma, Foreign Affairs Minister, more intervention is necessary.
Gender Mainstreaming
South Africa Government has achieved much in terms of gender representivity in senior management and at cabinet level. In the public sector where women make up 53% of the public service and 26% of the Senior Management Service
Governments should continue to incorporate and utilise the process of gender-based analysis and gender-responsive budgeting with respect to the development of legislation, policies and budgets.
Poverty
The increasing feminization of poverty is cause for concern, Economic activity must be opened up so that women can be given m ore access to productive resources. The current international trade regime is deeply unfair to developing countries, most negatively impacts on poor women, and is largely developed without the involvement of Parliaments.
Parliament must ensure that poverty eradication becomes the priority of all Government programmes.
Conclusion
The main challenges to gender equality in the South Africa are high illiteracy levels and mortality rates, HIV/AIDS, poverty and violence against women.
South African Parliament should critically review its processes, progress and implement programmes that will give effect to the Beijing declarations.
Conflict and Peace
Women continue to be the most harmed by conflict and yet early warning systems, peace agreements and post-conflict legislation often fail to address their needs. The prevalence of conflict and in particular its impact on women and children is matter which the South African Parliament can do more about. Given that we currently chair the Peace and Security Council of the African Union led by Dr Zuma, Foreign Affairs Minister, more intervention is necessary.
Gender Mainstreaming
South Africa Government has achieved much in terms of gender representivity in senior management and at cabinet level. In the public sector where women make up 53% of the public service and 26% of the Senior Management Service
Governments should continue to incorporate and utilise the process of gender-based analysis and gender-responsive budgeting with respect to the development of legislation, policies and budgets.
Poverty
The increasing feminization of poverty is cause for concern, Economic activity must be opened up so that women can be given m ore access to productive resources. The current international trade regime is deeply unfair to developing countries, most negatively impacts on poor women, and is largely developed without the involvement of Parliaments.
Parliament must ensure that poverty eradication becomes the priority of all Government programmes.
Conclusion
The main challenges to gender equality in the South Africa are high illiteracy levels and mortality rates, HIV/AIDS, poverty and violence against women.
South African Parliament should critically review its processes, progress and implement programmes that will give effect to the Beijing declarations.
