In honour of the woman and her role in South Africa

"Empower a woman and empower a nation"

"A woman would not hold out her hand and wait for someone;
she would go into the garden,
she would do something to ensure that there is a meal on the table.
My point is that when you empower women, you empower a nation."
- Ms Noluthando Mayande-Sibiya,
- Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities

Women take on so many roles in society. Traditionally they have always been mothers, wives and homemakers - seen as the ultimate nurturing force. The modern woman is still all of these things but she is capable of so much more. Nowadays women are also soldiers, entrepreneurs, politicians, athletes, astronauts, judges and leaders of nations. Women are powerful - they are the bedrock of society.

With more than 53% of our members being women the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) would like to take a moment to pay tribute to women in South Africa and in Government specifically.  

Women in our country have travelled a long road to get to where they are today and have fought hard for their rights. That is why on 9 August every year our nation celebrates National Women's Day, a commemoration of the march of women on this day in 1956 that petitioned against pass laws.

Since that day women have shown that they have the ability to do great things, and today make up more than half of the South African Government at 55.8 percent. Women truly have begun to prove themselves and make their mark - indeed, recent research has indicated that teams made up of 50 percent women and 50 percent men are the most creative and productive, while teams made up of only men are the least creative.

Despite the advancements that women in South Africa have made, they still face many challenges such as physical abuse, HIV/AIDS, and a lack of spousal support. Another issue affecting women all over the world, including South Africa, is the problem of cultural expectations where women are expected to stay at home and take on the traditional roles of wife and mother.

The pressure that is put on women to perform their traditional roles often leads them to abandon their own dreams. It is also often the case that women are not provided with the support and infrastructure that they need to pursue their goals, preventing them from becoming the independent and powerful individuals that they are so capable of being.

However, things are looking up for women in South Africa. According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap index, South Africa is now ranked as number six in the world where it was previously ranked as number 22. This index measured economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, political attainment, health and the survival of women in 134 countries.

Our country was also ranked first in the world for employment opportunities for professional and technical female workers, as well as registration in primary, secondary and tertiary education. With a population that is 52 percent female, improved access for women to education and employment is much needed and will without doubt reap positive rewards for our nation.

When one takes into account that more than 49 percent of South African men between the ages of 15 and 65 are economically active, while only an approximate 37 percent of women are able to find work, it becomes clear how important it is to create better opportunities for women. As Minister Sibiya also pointed out: "We need to see the quality of life improving for all women in the country."

GEMS is committed to giving women the opportunities that they need to empower themselves. Indeed, women form the foundation of GEMS. With more than half of our members and 70 percent of our total staff complement being female we have much to be proud of. Add to this the fact that two thirds of our executive committee members are female and there is little doubt that women are a force to be reckoned with at GEMS, South Africa's youngest and fastest growing medical scheme.

GEMS would like to salute the women of South Africa this Women's Day. We thank you for always being the rock that has supported this nation, and now the beacon that leads us, lighting our way into tomorrow.

For members who have any questions on Women's Day, please phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send a SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.

Sources:

Stats SA - www.statssa.gov.za
Unicef - www.unicef.org
The Business Women's Association of South Africa - www.bwasa.co.za
Top Women in Business and Government, 6th Edition