1 National Gender Summit 1.INTRODUCTION 2001 will be 7 years since SA’s transition to democracy. 4 years since the national Gender Machinery established.

2 1. INTRODUCTION (cont’d) SA to host the 3rd World Conference on racism, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. CGE new Commissioners to be appointed An opportune moment to take stock and chart vision for new millennium

3 2. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT 2.1Structural Context Constitution Electoral system Various legislation Relative peace and stability Realisation of Constitutional Bodies, eg CGE, SAHRC, et al

4 Background (cont’d) 2.2 Summit Theme and sub-themes Realising Gender Equality: Justice, Peace and Poverty Eradication Land Reform Discrimination Against Learners Gender and HIV/AIDS Gender and the Economy Gender, Culture, Tradition and Religion

5 3. PROPOSAL The CGE to lead the hosting of a national Gender Summit from 5-8 August 2001 to assess progress ito gender equality promotion and protection, with view to re-strategising for effective results.

6 3.1 PURPOSE A)Platform for stakeholders B)Assess progress ito gender equality C)Redefine the strategic direction for the national Gender Machinery

7 3.2 OBJECTIVES A.Critically assess the progress that South Africa has made in addressing some of the 12 critical areas of concern as defined in the Beijing Platform for Action and the African Charter for Effective Equality.

8 OBJECTIVES (cont’d) B.Identify major gaps and new/emerging issues that need to be addressed, and develop appropriate strategies.

9 OBJECTIVES (cont’d) C.Examine the impact and effectiveness of South Africa's national Gender Machinery.

10 OBJECTIVES (cont’d) D.Examine efforts and challenges in various sectors at achieving the goal of gender equality, esp. the private sector, government, the women's movement, civil society in general and the donor community.

11 OBJECTIVES (cont’d) E.To share sub-regional (SADC), and regional (African), perspectives on gender equality.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES A Report of proceedings highlighting achivements and challenges. An overview of key stakeholders and their analysis of critical issues.

13 OUTCOMES (cont’d) Some pointers on new strategic directions Galvanisation of the women's and broad gender equality movement around the goal of gender equality.

14 OUTCOMES (cont’d) Putting gender equality (back) on the national (and Regional) agenda.

15 4. PROPOSED PARTICIPANTS 4.1 Government, Parliamentarians/ Legislatures, and National Gender Machinery. 4.2Civil Society and Women’s Movement. 4.3 Business, organised labour and the private sector. 4.4 Donor community and the media. 4.5 Regional and pan-African guests.

16 5. PREPARATIONS TO DATE 5.1Summit Venue: Metropolitan Centre, Braamfontein (Office of the Mayor) 5.2Lobbying & Advocacy: Office of the Presidency, Ministers, Women’s Organisations, Organs of Civil Society, Donors, Labour Movement,

17 PREPARATIONS (Cont’d) 5.3Pre-Summit Provincial Consultations: See enclosed “Briefing Document” on Consultations 5.4Summit Programme: Enclosed is the second draft, to be finalised at the SSC of 29 May Fundraising: Need assistance in this regard

18 PREPARATIONS (Cont’d) 5.6“How to participate in the Gender Summit” documentation being prepared, for distribution 5.7Summit Website: to be “live” by 01 June 5.8Media Launch: at media conference on 24 May 2001, Summit Patron, Mrs Zanele Mbeki, to participate

19 5. FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES The Project Manager: Gender Summit 2001 Nomfundo Luphondwana Tel (011) Fax (011) Cell:

20 CAPE TOWN CONTACT Ms Fatima Seedat CGE Parliamentary Officer Tel: (021) Fax: (021) Cell: