Page 45 - AWOL Magazine SA

A
/
A
constantly undergo training that will help build their capacities. It is also imperative for the younger women generation to actively engage in advocacy around making gender equality measures central to public policymaking.
In that environment we hope to see more young women politicians engaging actively in politics and being elected either Mayor, Premier or President or to top political or business structures.
However, promoting young women’s engagement in politics is not without challenges. Historically, patriarchy, chauvinism and male-dominated political cultures have placed barriers in the way of young women’s participation in politics.
Yet, despite these challenges, promoting young women and encouraging them to take their places in the political and other arenas is crucial for the advancement of our democracy.
8. What are the factors militating against the solidarity of African women in Politics? And how can these factors be addressed?
Response: I have made it my mission to break the cycle of denigrating other women, often referred to as the “pull her down syndrome”, which in my view is a major contributing factor militating against the solidarity of women in general.
We can address these factors by ensuring that as women leaders, we mentor, empower, support and encourage each other. The reality is that we can achieve more if we hold hands and work together. Importantly, in the words of Dr. Maya
Angelou: “Nothing can dim the light that shines within”, meaning that even though sometimes people in life will put you down, keep rising, keep believing in yourself and keep moving.
Therefore, as women in politics or leaders in various sectors, we must remember that our solidarity is our greatest asset – because together we will conquer all obstacles but divided, we will stumble and fall.
As women in politics I always emphasise that when you do the right thing success will follow you and that you must do the right thing even when nobody is watching you.
9. How has your appointment as the first female Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Province helped other women to reach for their dreams?
Response: Firstly, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all the government leaders, political parties, faith-based communities, traditional leaders, diplomatic corps, business, academics, media houses, comrades, individuals, friends, organisations and stakeholders, for their well wishes and overwhelming expression of support.
Many people regard my appointment as the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal as shattering the glass ceiling for women in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. I believe that my appointment is, indeed, a huge milestone which has proven that the struggle for women’s empowerment is a societal one, and that we cannot be free until there is gender equality in our province and our country.
I do hope that my appointment serves as an inspiration to all women
and girls across all walks of life, that it is possible to rise to the highest echelons of leadership in politics, business or anything you set your mind to achieve.
10. What do you think about AWLO?
Response: I believe that the African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO) is a powerful networking platform that brings together female executives, entrepreneurs, professionals and leaders to further enhance their leadership capabilities.
This network of leaders also recognises the important role women play in society as nation builders and pioneers in different fields. We need to empower ourselves as women and to leverage on each other’s strengths so that we can keep up with the demands of our ever-evolving careers.
We acknowledge the incredible work done by AWLO to bring together these leaders of Africa and the African diaspora. These are women who have excelled in politics, government, business and entrepreneurship and through AWLO and their sheer force of example, are empowering others to bring hope to women across South Africa and African continent.
W
WL
LO
O
M
Ma
a
g
ga
az
z
i
in
n
e
e
,
,
S
Se
ep
pt
t
e
em
m
b
b
e
e
r
r2
2
0
0
2
2
2
2
/
/4
43
3
/