TRIPARITE WOMEN’S CAUCUS SUMMIT TO BE CO-HOSTED BY THE KZN LEGISLATURE AND THE DEMOCRACY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (DPP)- ‘’EMPOWER HER ‘’ AT THE PREMIER HOTEL – UMHLANGA DURBAN – 30 OCTOBER 2024

MEDIA ADVISORY

 TO:  ALL MEDIA    

28 OCTOBER 2024

SUBJECT: TRIPARITE WOMEN’S CAUCUS SUMMIT TO BE CO-HOSTED BY THE KZN LEGISLATURE AND THE DEMOCRACY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (DPP)- ‘’EMPOWER HER ‘’ AT THE PREMIER HOTEL – UMHLANGA DURBAN – 30 OCTOBER 2024

The “Empower HER” – a Tripartite Women’s Caucus Summit is a ground-breaking initiative that brings together three prominent women’s legislative caucuses from Zimbabwe, Malawi, and South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal province. This unique summit is born out of a shared commitment to advancing women’s rights, empowerment, and political involvement in the region. It aims to create a powerful platform for collaboration, exchange, and joint action to overcome shared challenges and promote gender equality across borders.

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the role women play in driving positive social transformation and sustainable development. Women’s caucuses have emerged as powerful advocates for gender equality, human rights, and inclusive governance. These caucuses serve as platforms for women leaders from diverse political backgrounds to come together, strategize, and advocate for policies that address the unique challenges faced by women in society.  The Tripartite Women’s Caucus Summit is inspired by the success of previous exchange visits between the KwaZulu Natal Multi-Party Caucus and the Malawi Women’s Caucus, where candid discussions on challenges and achievements laid the groundwork for further collaboration. It is now time to expand this partnership to other countries and this year it will include the Zimbabwe Women’s Caucus. Leveraging the strengths of all three caucuses will create a united and formidable force for women’s empowerment.

The summit will provide a safe and inclusive space for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and mentorship, empowering young women leaders and inspiring the next generation to break free from traditional gender stereotypes, social, political and economic barriers that hinder women’s ability to not only lead with confidence but lead effectively. Through EmpowerHER, the caucuses seek to pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive society, where women’s voices are amplified, their contributions celebrated, and their rights safeguarded. By consolidating efforts and forming a strong regional alliance, the summit aims to foster sustainable change and lay the foundation for a future where women’s empowerment is at the forefront of the region’s development agenda.

Objectives:

• Create a platform for the Zimbabwe Women’s Caucus, Malawi Women’s Caucus, and KwaZulu Natal Multi-Party Women’s Caucus to share experiences, challenges, and success stories in advancing women’s rights and empowerment.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and joint initiatives to amplify the influence and impact of women’s caucuses in the region.
• Develop strategies for enhancing women’s political participation, representation, and leadership in decision-making processes.
• Strengthen partnerships with development partners, civil society organizations, and government institutions to support women’s empowerment initiatives.

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA ARE HEREBY INVITED TO ATTEND THIS SUMMIT

Issued by Communications Unit –   KZN Legislature. 

Sina Nxumalo – Senior Manager: Communications – 082 906 0449    –   NXUMALOW@kznleg.gov.za