​Thembisa Shologu
The Gauteng Province Government is continuing with its efforts to ensure social and economic relief measures benefit the women. 
 As the province works towards rebuilding the economic which was halted by COVID-19 pandemic, Community Safety MEC, Faith Mazibuko acknowledged women beared the brunt disproportionately.
"The pandemic is further deepening pre-existing inequalities, exposing the vulnerability of women in social, political and economic systems which are in turn amplifying the impact of the pandemic," the MEC said. 
"The compounding effect of COVID-19 calls for the reprioritisation of tangible interventions and the acceleration of the implementation of all legal instruments on gender equality and women's emancipation.
"As we enter the decade of women's financial inclusion, women must form a central part of efforts to build more inclusive economy," said Mazibuko.
She was speaking during the commemoration of the National Women's Day, on 9 August 2021. 
The day pays tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women.  
This year's commemoration was held under the theme: The year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke: Realising Women's Rights. 
Women were no longer faced with the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment, but also with often being overlooked and under reported challenge of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
"This is more so for the working class, and the impoverished women of south Africa whose constraining circumstances often mitigate against speaking out against their plight."
Mazibuko reminded survivors of GBV to use the support services provided by the province. These include the GBV hotline, shelters and centres providing support to victim of sexual violence.
For the province to realise equality, women and girls must be free.
"Free to be elected to position of power without restriction or discrimination, free form poverty, unemployment and against gender-based violence and practices that hold them back and stifle their potential amongst others," she added. ENDS