Remarks by Bineta Diop, Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security in Africa at the panel discussion on the theme ‘Women’s empowerment in the 21st century’ to mark South Africa’s women month, Addis Ababa, 31 August 2016-African Union

Excellencies;
Distinguished guests; I am honored to be here today to celebrate South Africa’s Women Month. The month commemorates historic action by South African women in 1956, where 20,000 women showed their agency and gave voice to their frustration with unjust laws.  Today we celebrate not just the women who filled the streets on that day, but also a strong women’s movement in South Africa which was an active and critical participant in the liberation of the country. Since 1994, South Africa has demonstrated a firm commitment to women’s empowerment, and it has provided the continent with numerous good practice-particularly in the area of women’s participation. South Africa’s parliament boasts some of the highest rates of women’s representation continentally and internationally and its Women’s Parliamentary Caucus is seen as a model of what women in legislatures can achieve if they build alliances and act across party lines. Women’s participation in political life, and peace and security matter to positive societal outcomes- as South Africa demonstrates.  South Africa has not limited its support on women’s empowerment domestically.  South Africa has also been a leader in support of a range of efforts-particularly with regards to enhancing women’s role in mediation across the continent. This needs to be acknowledged and applauded. 

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