INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY AT CENTRE OF MPUMALANGA SALGA WOMEN COMMISSION LEKGOTLA

Show Voice Options The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) hosted the Mpumalanga SALGA Women Commission (SWC) Lekgotla on the 3rd and 4th of August 2023, at The Ridge Hotel in Emalahleni. Themed "Innovation and technology for gender equality", the SALGA Women's Commission Lekgotla (Mpumalanga) served as a platform for key stakeholders, government officials, civil society organizations, and the media to come together and discuss pertinent issues related to women's empowerment, gender mainstreaming, and local governance. The Lekgotla aimed to identify opportunities for promotion of women empowerment through innovation and technology, identify challenges, share best practices, and develop strategies for promoting women's participation and leadership in local government. "The core mandate of the SALGA Women's Commission is to coordinate, promote and advocate for gender-appropriate strategies and practices within member municipalities and feed into regional and continental processes. We do this as we oversee the formulation and implementation of policies that will result in gender-responsive planning and budgeting, reflected in our integrated planning and development plans through the Multi-Party Women Commissions (MPWC) in municipalities", said Cllr. Ntandokazi Capa who is the SALGA National Women Commissioner. Taking place during the month of August, which is Women's Month, the agenda for the Lekgotla included insightful panel discussions, interactive workshops, and presentations by prominent speakers who are experts in the field. It presented an excellent opportunity for delegates to engage and gain valuable insights to create impactful stories that raise awareness and drive positive change. "Bringing women and other marginalized groups into technology results in more creative solutions and has greater potential for innovations that meet women's needs and promote gender equality. A gender-responsive approach to innovation, technology and digital education can increase the awareness of women and girls regarding their rights and civic engagement. Advancements in digital technology offer immense opportunities to address development and humanitarian challenges", said Cllr. Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko as the Provincial SALGA Women Commissioner. The Lekgotla further noted that: Local Government in the Province is at 25% in terms of the appointment of female senior managers and gender representation in other occupational categories in municipalities is still a challenge. There is a gap in the institutionalization and implementation of the Gender Responsive Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Auditing Framework in Local Government. Mpumalanga's economy is struggling to provide sustainable jobs and livelihoods for the majority and to diversify rapidly to achieve the just transition,