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"We, the women of South Africa, stand together for women's participation on issues of national, regional, continental and international importance. Through our dialogues, we seek to establish a common agenda for the development of women and to ensure that women's views are taken into consideration whenever decisions are taken on all issues that impact on our lives..."

The SAWID forum was initiated by Mrs. Zanele Mbeki to provide a platform for ongoing dialogue. Read more ...

SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY (SADC) WOMEN AND PEACE DIALOGUE: STRENGTHENING REGIONAL PEACE STRUCTURES FOR WOMEN

Johannesburg 14 – 16 August 2008
Eskom Convention Centre and Apartheid Museum

From August 14 to 16, women and peace experts and activists from participating SADC countries met at the Eskom Convention Centre in Midrand (and at the Apartheid Museum on the 16th) to discuss the strengthening of regional peace structures for women. This dialogue took place in the context of the SADC Summit of the Heads of State and Government at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg from 16 – 17 August 2008. The Spouse of the President of South Africa, Mrs. Zanele Mbeki, hosted a 2-day pre-summit preparatory session in which two peace experts/activists from each SADC country were invited to participate. Mrs. Mbeki, in her capacity as Southern African Vice-Chairperson of MIPREDA, the Peace Mission of African First Ladies, had invited Ms. Hajiya Turai Yar’Adua, the First Lady of Nigeria, who is the current Chairperson of MIPREDA, to deliver a Keynote address on Saturday the 16th of August at a working luncheon at the Apartheid Museum. Although Ms. Yar'dua was unable to attend, her speech was presented by H.E. Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs. Read more...

MESSAGE FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN RED CROSS SOCIETY

Support for victims of xenophobic attacks

Update on the R1 million Emergency Appeal Launched by The South African Red Cross Society in Support of Victims of Recent Urban Violence

South Africans demonstrate their spirit of ubuntu by supporting the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) in its drive to provide emergency relief to the thousands of people affected by the recent acts of violence.

The SARCS Emergency Appeal was launched on Friday 16 May 2008, after it became evident that the numbers of affected people would continue to rise over the weekend. By 15 May 2008, the estimated number of people who had received assistance from SARCS was 3000. By Monday 19 May, this figure had risen to more than 6000.

However, needs are increasing and SARCS continues to appeal for further donations, in cash and kind. They urge the public to contact their nearest Red Cross branch for information on what items to donate and how (see www.redcross.org.za or call SARCS national office on 021-532-0202). Read more...

YOUNG SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN TAKE ACTION TO IMPROVE THEIR OWN LIVES

From the 10th to the 14th of December 2007, Young South African Women met at the Assemblies of God Conference Center, in Henley–on–Klip, Meyerton to empower themselves with knowledge of survival strategies and personal and economic development.

The dialogue started on Tuesday the 11th of December at 9:00 am, with a Key Note address by Minister Lulu Xingwana, Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs.

The dialogue, themed Personal Development & Economic Empowerment: Young Women Taking Action, was organized in the context of SAWID’s broader strategic direction of maximizing the SAWID platform through localizing the program. This strategy places poverty eradication through the economic empowerment of women across their developmental stages as a top priority. Read more ...

YOUTH PLEDGE

YSAWID is also planning to gather the voices of young women around the National Schools Pledge, unveiled by the Minister of Education, Minsiter Naledi Pandor, on the 12th of February 2008. The proposed pledge reads:

"We the youth of South Africa, recognize the injustices of our past, honor those who suffered and sacrificed for justice and freedom.

We will respect and protect the dignity of each person, and stand up for justice.

We sincerely declare that we shall uphold the rights and values of our constitution and promise to act in accordance with the duties and responsibilities that flow from these rights."

STUDY OPPORTUNITY

The South African Military Health Service: Military Skills Development (MSD) Programme: Study Opportunities for youth between 18 and 22 with grade twelve or equivalent.

The Department of Defence is proud to offer this service system to South African youth with the main purpose of promoting and enhancing the concept of nation building.

SAWID Newsletter

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