There must be gender transformation in government offices, says Commissioner

Date: 25 July 2003 By: Godfrey Mandiwana

According to Commissioner Bafana Khumalo, there must be gender transformation in government offices. He slammed sexual harassment in the place of work. The commission wants to wipe out the tendency that men have to propose everything, while women sit down and listen without posing questions or suggestions.

Bafana said the commission found it suitable to deal with gender equality with policy makers and then the isssue will be discussed in sectoral workshops. "Venda is a place where agriculture is practised in a good manner, but the people who are cultivating the land are women, and that means that women have the right to occupy high positions in the public sector," he said.

According to him, they are working towards "a society free from gender discrimination, and all forms of oppression, in which people will have the opportunity and means to realise their full potential, regardless of race, class, sex, religion, sexual orientation, disability or geographic location."

He also added that the Commission for Gender Equality will fulfil its statutory mandate as an independent state institution, by continuously engaging in co-operative and visible partnerships with stakeholders at large.

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Godfrey Mandiwana

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