The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) wishes to congratulate Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on her election as the first woman Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Hers serve as an inspiration that gender parity and that which the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and its optional Protocol that seeks to promote gender equality in access to social and economic opportunities and political power can be realised. The CGE believes that Dr. Dlamini-Zuma through her leadership acumen and savvy that she has displayed in her previous portfolio as the Minister of Health, Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs will only serve as a catalyst for her to do exceptionally well.

 The CGE believes that, this is indeed a decade for African women to rise and take the challenge in an endeavour to open avenues for gender equality, equity and strive towards women empowerment. The CGE is of the view that Dr. Dlamini-Zuma’s election is an indication that the African Charter on Human and people’s Rights and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, on the Rights of Women in Africa, since promulgated have come in full circles as it sought to eliminate discrimination against women and for the protection of their rights.  With Dr. Dlamini at the helm, the CGE hopes that the implementation of resolution 1325 will be appropriately implemented during peace keeping missions in Africa. The CGE also wishes to congratulate Africa for believing in gender equality ethos, hoping this will set a positive precedent for other continents to follow. It is our belief that other women, in particular girl children throughout the continent will look at this not as a fulfilment of a dream for Dr. Dlamini-Zuma but a constant reminder that they too can ascend to positions which have traditionally and predominantly occupied by men.

Issued by: Commission for Gender Equality

Enquiries:  Javu Baloyi

Tel: 011 341 6090/083 578 3923

Date: 16 July 2012 

The Commission for Gender Equality is established in terms of Section 187 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in order to promote respect for gender equality and the protection, development and attainment of gender equality.