Ramaphosa has announced the launch of a women’s economic assembly and says progress has been made regarding gender-based violence.

But is enough being done?

President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that women have been hit the hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“When growth stalls at an economic level,  when development is halted, and when the economy loses jobs we know that it is women who bear the brunt disproportionately.” 

A new initiative to be launched during Women’s Month hopes to tackle inequality in key sectors.  

“A women's economic assembly will be launched later this month to identify supply chain opportunities for women-owned business in key industries such as steel, automotive, and energy sectors,” Ramaphosa said. 

In the last year, Ramaphosa says strides have been made in the fight against gender-based violence.  

“32 regional courts have been designated as sexual offence courts in various parts of the country. Around 3 500 family violence, child protection and sexual offences investigating officers have received specialised training to do their work.” 

eNCA