By Nangamso Mabindla
31 August 2006

EASTERN Cape premier Nosimo Balindlela closed Women's Month by calling on aspiring businesswomen play their part in making sure the province's economic growth was inclusive.

Balindlela held a meeting at her farm in Stutterheim to examine how women could involve themselves in the economy by starting their own businesses and other social activities.

Although the call coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Women's March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Balindlela said it was time for the women of the 21st century to open a new chapter, "a more positive one".

"Those women struggled for something different, they were in defiance of the oppressive pass laws; however, we are now striving for equality," the premier said, adding: "This is in line with our Constitution, which promotes non-sexism, non-racism and equality among all South Africans."

She urged women to create a new legacy by taking advantage of opportunities in the business sector, such as that offered by the Charlotte Manye Maxeke Women's Development Fund.

The fund, launched on 31 August, aims to empower women in finding employment, becoming economically self-sufficient, ending gender violence and empowering and building self-esteem for women and girls.

Rural areas could also gain from the fund. Local government authorities, especially councillors and community development workers, would conduct learnerships in rural areas.

First National Bank will manage the fund, and applicants need to meet certain criteria to be eligible: they need to be involved in capacity building or empowerment of women and girls – in programmes focusing on gender violence, entrepreneurial initiatives, or research on women's and girls' empowerment for base line studies for the provincial strategies and programmes.

It was government policy to promote the development of women. "We have got all the structures in place for us to reach the required 50 percent by the government equity; we are ready," the premier said.

She urged women to use the fund, especially in creating employment. "The ball in is their court."