05/03/2005: South Africa's
upcoming Women and the Environment conference
received a major boost today, Friday, 04 March
2005 from the women's rights activist and
President of the South African NGO Coalition,
Ms. Marcia Manong, who is also a delegate
to the conference. The conference is organized
by the Department of Environmental Affairs
and Tourism and will take place between 06
and 08 March 2005, in Misty Hills, Muldersdrift.
“We are at a critical point of no return in
the global development agenda”, Manong said,
endorsing the idea of a women and the environment
conference. “The role of women in environmental
affairs is as much an issue as their contribution
in economic empowerment and global development.”
Manong was concerned that although there
was some marked recognition of the importance
of the role of women at a global and national
level, there was still “a need for a concerted
effort to give women space in key policy and
decision making processes.”
She praised the contribution of the Nobel
Peace Prize Laureate, Prof Wangari Maathai
and encouraged women to take note of “her
immense and selfless commitment to the noble
cause of environmental protection”.
“Ms Maathai is outspoken, brave and has a
heart and commitment of a true citizen of
the world”, she said, “We would like to take
this opportunity through this conference to
make the point about the value and extent
of women's contribution to sustainable development.”
Manong said it was important that the conference
is taking place “just as South Africa matures
into democracy”. “This country has a rich
and wonderful history of the role women have
played in bringing down the crime of Apartheid
and the democratic dispensation is proving
to be another great opportunity for our women
to make their voices heard through action”.
She added.
Manong concluded by extending a hand of invitation
to influential women organizations and civil
society in general to “come and celebrate
the achievements of South African women in
environment and to gear up for the challenges
lying ahead”.
To date, about 400 delegates had confirmed
to attend the conference which indicates a
tremendous interest from women and stakeholders
in the country. “We must understand that this
is the first environmental conference in South
Africa to deal directly with issues of women
empowerment” said Manong. She added that delegates
were also encouraged by developments in New
York, “ The Beijing + 10 process is an inspiration
for the women development agenda and our own
process here should, as a matter of course,
feed into that platform”, She concluded.
Members of the media are invited to participate
in this conference that will be held at Misty
Hills, Muldersdrift.
