Pretoria: The Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana, says even though progress has been made in certain sectors, the battle for gender equality is far from over.

“On a daily basis, we continue to be flooded by headlines and stories that paint a picture that says poverty still wears a female face and that women in the main are still excluded from active participation in the economy and in decision making structures, especially in the private sector.

“Recently we have been witnessing some of the most atrocious incidents of gender-based violence,” the minister said.

She was addressing the newly appointed Commission of Gender Equality (CGE) commissioners during a two-day induction programme held in Boksburg.

The minister urged the commissioners to take the fight for gender equality to a higher level in order to advance gender mainstreaming in society.

She expressed confidence that the new commissioners have an impeccable track record in gender equality matters and that collectively, they will be able to guide the Commission towards the fulfilment of its mandate and make sure that the promise of gender equality becomes a tangible reality.

The commissioners have been appointed for a period of five years by President Jacob Zuma in terms of Section 9 (a) of the CGE Act 39 of 1996 as amended. Four of the Commissioners — Lulama Nare, Nomasonto Mazibuko and Mbuyiselo Botha — commenced their duties in January 2014, namely Lulama Nare, Nomasonto Mazibuko, Mbuyiselo Botha and Nomsisi Bata.

Two other commissioners — Fundisile Nzimande and Siyanda Sobahle — will commence their duties in June 2014.

Commissioners Dr Wallace Mgoqi and Dr Nondumiso Maphazi had their terms of office extended.

Janine Hicks and Thoko Mpumlwana are currently serving their terms.

The commission has 11 members including chairperson Mfanozelwe Shozi.

The CGE remains one of the key independent state institutions supporting constitutional democracy.

SOURCE: South African Official News