Zuma in PE to open Women’s Day event

[caption id="attachment_72001" align="alignright" width="300"] IN TOWN: President Jacob Zuma is accompanied by, from left, Deputy Minister of Social Development Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle and Social Development MEC Nancy Sihlwayi at the International Women's Day event at The Boardwalk in Port Elizabeth last night Picture: FREDLIN ADRIAAN -[/caption]

A VIBRANT and colourful display of traditional dancing and singing, mixed with cheers and ululation, entertained participants on the opening day of the International Women’s Day conference in Port Elizabeth yesterday.

The Africa for Africa Women’s Conference, which ends tomorrow, was officially opened at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre with an exhibition of wares made by local women.

The opening address was made by President Jacob Zuma at a glitzy gala dinner last night.

The event, organised by the Department of Social Development, aims to address various socio-economic and political issues faced by women daily.

Zuma said that African women, in particular, had been oppressed in the past through gender, race and class discrimination.

The government and its stakeholders were “actively working to create more opportunities to empower and emancipate the women of South Africa and the continent”.

-Devon Koen