SOUTH AFRICA CALLS ON WORLD PARLIAMENTS TO REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO GENDER-RESPONSIVE PROCESSES

A member of the South African parliamentary delegation to the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) underway in Geneva, Ms Fikile Masiko, told delegates that women from diverse contexts continue to bear the disproportionate burden of armed conflict.

Contributing to the panel discussion on women peacebuilders advancing sustainable peace, Ms Masiko said that women’s personal, economic, civil and political security is persistently weakened. “Those who do participate face increasing security concerns, including the weaponisation of digital technologies.”

Ms Masiko called on all parliaments to help reverse this by advocating for laws that ensure gender parity in national dialogues and which foster women’s meaningful participation in decision-making processes. She said gender equality should be an important pillar of peace and security efforts.

She also told delegates that South Africa has steadfastly supported the women, peace and security agenda since its inception. “On peacekeeping, South Africa continues to ensure the meaningful participation of women in peace support operations. In this regard, the South African National Defence Force comprises 20% of women in combat positions, enabling their deployment on the frontlines of armed conflicts,” she said.

In 2020, Ms Masiko told delegates, the South African government adopted the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, providing concrete steps to support conflict resolution through the meaningful involvement of women as peacemakers at local levels. “Our foreign affairs ministry provides training and capacity-building for women and youth to participate meaningfully in peace processes at continental and local levels,” she said.

Ms Masiko called on parliamentarians to ensure that women, peace and security national action plans are implemented. She also called on parliamentarians to support legislative measures to foster gender-inclusive peace processes, advocate for increased resources to facilitate women’s participation in peace and political processes and oversee the allocation of funds for gender-responsive peacebuilding.

“It is our collective responsibility is to reaffirm our commitment to the women, peace and security agenda and ensure that meaningful participation and gender-responsive peace processes are adequately supported and resourced,” she said.

DID YOU KNOW?

Political parties represented in Parliament are entitled to an amount of public money for their political activities. The parties receive the money in proportion to the number of seats they hold.

ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN PARLIAMENT:

The South African Parliament stands as a symbol of democratic governance and the nation's commitment to representative politics. Established in 1994 following the end of apartheid, it represents a pivotal institution in the country's journey towards reconciliation, equality, and social justice. Comprising two houses, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), the Parliament serves as the primary legislative body of South Africa.

The National Assembly, consisting of elected members, holds the primary responsibility for passing laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of the South African people. Its composition reflects the country's diverse population, with representatives from various political parties, including the ruling party and opposition groups. The Speaker of the National Assembly presides over its proceedings, ensuring decorum and adherence to parliamentary rules.

The National Council of Provinces, on the other hand, embodies the principle of cooperative governance and represents the interests of South Africa's provinces. Each province sends delegates to the NCOP, providing a platform for regional perspectives to be heard at the national level. Through its committees and deliberative processes, the NCOP plays a crucial role in ensuring that provincial concerns are addressed in the legislative process.

The Parliament's functions extend beyond lawmaking to include oversight of the executive branch, budgetary matters, and fostering public participation in governance. Committees within both houses undertake detailed examinations of government policies and programs, holding the executive accountable for its actions. Additionally, the Parliament serves as a forum for robust debate on issues of national importance, reflecting the vibrant democratic culture of South Africa.

Moreover, the Parliament is committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in its operations. It actively engages with civil society organizations, the media, and the public, fostering an open and accessible democratic process. Through initiatives such as public hearings, parliamentary outreach programs, and online platforms, it seeks to enhance citizen participation and strengthen the bonds between government and society.

In conclusion, the South African Parliament embodies the aspirations of a nation striving for democracy, equality, and progress. Through its legislative functions, oversight mechanisms, and commitment to public engagement, it remains a cornerstone of South Africa's democratic governance system.