Message from Cosatu on launch of Progressive Women's Movement

Message from COSATU on behalf of the labour movement Cde Mummy Japhta

The South African women have contributed to the liberation struggle in particular the attainment of political power and the 1994 democratic victory.

They have not lost sight of the fact that their emancipation can only be realized through the strength of their voices and through a strategic struggle for the transformation of the patriarchal gender relations.

They recognize that gender equality would not be an automatic by product of our democratic victory but would have to be sustained through a collective effort.

The alliance structures therefore adopted a resolution to establish a women's movement with a working class bias led by the ANC.

Our celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the South African's women's historic march confirms their contribution and participation and is still relevant even under the current socio-economic challenges.

In honoring the gallant heroic women who sacrificed their lives for a better SA we will be launching the Progressive Women's Movement of South Africa in Bloemfontein on the 5-7 August 2006.

The alliance partners agreed on the formation of this movement which will fight for change in all spheres of life i.e. in the organization, institutions, workplace and in broader society.

This movement is pertinent to the working class struggle to fight for economic emancipation, and in fighting the tyranny of patriarchy. This movement will serve to

• Consolidate the fragmented efforts of women formations, gender organizations and structures that seeks to strategically address women issues and gender oppression in all its forms,
• Unite South African's around a minimum programme through campaigns,
• Shape and redefine gender relations and change the patriarchal mindset of our society,
• Fight for the economic emancipation of women the majority of whom are African, rural including the disabled and enable them to participate freely and equally with their male counter parts.
• Work towards the eradication of all forms of violence and promote the respect and rights of women,
• Ensure that women's struggles are seen as part of the overall struggle for the transformation of society, economic emancipations. In essence this means that men have got a role to play to contribute towards these goals,
• Build this national women's movement from below i.e. in provinces and regions.

We hope that everyone (men and women) will join us in a making a better life for all.

"Amandla Ngawethu,"
"Wathint abafaz iwathint imbokodo"