Nigeria - South Africa collaborate on Women’s Affairs

Pretoria- A Women’s Forum was held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on October 26, 2009 as part of the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission. The Woman’s Forum was facilitated by the Chief Director, Gender of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

The Forum was led by the Minister of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities in South Africa, Honourable Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya and the Minister of Women Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Honourable Alhaji S.H. Sulaiman.

It was attended by the Ambassadors and government officials and women in civil society from the two countries. From the South African side, this included the South African Women in Dialogue, (SAWID) and the Progressive Women’s Movement.

The Forum discussed a number of challenges facing women in the two countries. Amongst other things, the discussions covered the challenge of harmful traditional practices, representation of women in politics and decision-making position, women economic empowerment and social challenges of health and education.

Participants shared their experiences on the programmes that are being implemented to improve the status and promote the rights of women in their respective countries.

Minister Mayende-Sibiya and Minister Sulaiman signed a Letter of Intent committing to work towards the development of a Memorandum of Understanding focusing on Women and Gender issues between the two countries.

The Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be presented at the meeting of the Bi-National Commission in 2011.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

26 October 2009