The Department of Communications (DOC) will host an international conference, themed women and the information society, at the Cape Town Convention Centre from 24 to 26 August.
"The conference is titled the Women`s Mutingati, which is taken from a Tshivenda word meaning 'coming together and joining hands`. It is based on the broader outcomes of the Beijing Women`s Conference, which was held a decade ago," says Jerry Majatladi, DOC`s chief media and communications director.
"By hosting this event, SA will provide the women of the world a platform to reflect on their achievements since the Beijing Women`s Conference."
It aims to create an environment where women can hold constructive dialogue in preparation for the second phase of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS), which will take place in Tunis from 16 to 18 November, he says.
Communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri will welcome the delegates and deputy president Phindile Mlambo-Ngcuka will deliver the keynote address.
The conference will examine the role ICT plays in the development and empowerment of women in various industries. Further issues to be addressed include women`s roles in ICT, the media, the economy, and education and training.
Delegates will comprise women representatives from all nations involved in the WSIS process, representatives of the private sector, civil society, women engaged in ICT-related projects and women from relevant United Nations agencies.
Guests include Graca Machel; Carmen Maria Gallardo Hernandez, chairperson of the UN commission on the status of women; and Tunisia`s minister of women`s affairs, family, children and seniors, Salpoua Ayachi Labben.
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