As the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government marks International Women's Day under the theme: “Break the Bias”, Premier Sihle Zikalala announced programmes which reaffirm that the empowerment of women is central to KwaZulu-Natal’s Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan.

Fittingly, the focus for the KZN International Women’s Day Summit which began on 07 March, is on building the capacity of the state and the role of women leadership in the public service. The Speakers on the first day of the Summit included the Director-General of KwaZulu-Natal Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, Director-General in The Presidency Ms Phindile Baleni and women in top management in the public and private sector. Today, on 08 March, the Premier was joined by the MEC for Health Nomagugu Simelane and MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation Hlengiwe Mavimbela.

Delivering the keynote address during the Summit held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban today, Premier Zikalala said the provincial government will continue to create more opportunities for women black-owned Small, Micro-Sized and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) with an emphasis on businesses that show sustainability and at the same time create jobs.

“The Provincial Government has adopted Operation Vula as an overarching intervention in support of SMMEs by providing financial support, training, incubation and sustainable access to the market. Since the launch of the Fund, 1016 applications worth R339.2 million were approved in various priority sectors of the economy. About R221.2 million has been disbursed to 785 SMMEs and R117.9 million is still to be disbursed. The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs is committed to open the Second window of Operation Vula Budget and ensure that funds are disbursed this year. We have further committed as part of this programme to allocate at least 50% to women during this phase. We have entered into a technical partnership with the Federation for German Cooperatives (DGRV) to provide technical support of R2.9 million to more than 180 cooperatives with inputs and technical support,” Premier Zikalala said.

In addition, through RASET, Premier Zikalala said the provincial government will continue to support the growth of small scale women farmers by ensuring they have access to markets that are created through government procurement.

“Another programme that we are proud of that has helped in the empowerment of women and women- owned enterprises is the KZN Youth Empowerment Fund. From an initial budget of R50 million in 2019, we have committed to increase the Fund to R100 million this year. Bias in the awarding of funds will be on getting more young women entrepreneurs who also show a potential to create jobs,” said Premier Zikalala.

Premier Zikalala also highlighted that there can be no meaningful progress for women if our society continues to relegate women to ‘stereotypical’ professions or roles but called for women to be given an opportunity to occupy decision-making positions in both the public and private sectors.

“It is upon all of us as leaders to give meaning to gender mainstreaming by implementing commitments to eliminate unfair discrimination practices and promote gender equality. We must all take employment equity seriously and not reduce it to meeting compliance targets. It must be seen as an important instrument to develop all our people, it should not be used as means to maximise gains by exploiting gaps to secure state contracts. We must see employment equity and gender equity as impetus to achieve diversity in the workplace which is critical for nation building and social cohesion,” said Premier Zikalala.

The objectives of the Summit are:

•Engaging on the role of women in building the capacity of the state;

•Empowering women so they are better equipped to thrive in the digital world brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution;

•Prevent and respond to gender-based violence and femicide and for women to be empowered on how to address Sexual Harassment in the workplace.

Premier Zikalala applauded the speakers and participants who have already reflected on various issues and those that provided input on various subject matters during the Summit.

“We look forward to receiving your report and implementing your recommendations to accelerate our efforts and turn the corner to achieve a KwaZulu-Natal that recognises the humanity and dignity of women and girls. We will closely monitor the implementation of regulatory frameworks on empowerment of women, youth and persons with disabilities, including Gender Responsive Budgeting, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Reporting and Auditing,” concluded Premier Zikalala.

The International Women's Day Summit concluded with the reading and signing of the pledge which committed to break biases in homes, schools, workplaces and various societies.