Public participation is one of the key roles of the legislature. To exercise this role, the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature held a series of women's dialogues across all five districts of the Northern Cape in celebration of Women's Month, under the theme: "Empowering women, transforming communities, and creating active citizens". The purpose of the dialogues was to create a platform where women could discuss issues hindering their progress, as well as come up with solutions to address them. In essence, giving women a voice and allowing them to participate in the legislative processes.
As a result, women from the John Taolo Gaetsewe district gathered at the Bothetheletsa community hall on Thursday, 15 August, to address their issues. In attendance was the Speaker of Joe Morolong Local Municipality, Councillor Violet Jordan, who was the keynote speaker of the day. In her speech, Jordan encouraged women to have the courage to speak out, to break the silence, and to use their voice. "Re le basadi re imetswe mme re palelwa go bua" ["We as women, we are burdened but we do not speak"], she said.
The session proceeded with education about the role and function of the legislature and concluded with a dialogue between the community and officials.
The Northern Cape Provincial Legislature JTG regional office would like to thank each and every one who heeded our request.
