As the Foundation celebrates International Women’s Day, we wish to draw attention to and address issues that hamper efforts to achieve gender parity in workplaces. We believe that the economic cost of sexual harassment necessitate that all stakeholders should address this issue in terms of advocacy, education, policy and support systems.
The Summit aims to determine where the gaps lie in the policy and legal framework, with both the community and individuals responsible to assist in finding lasting solutions.
The South African government and private sector has shown its commitment to stem all forms of harassment through various policy and legislative measures. Despite this, sexual harassment at schools and the workplace continue unabated, with massive health, social and economic cost to the victims and society at large.
It has thus become necessary to expand efforts to curb sexual harassment to a more concrete holistic approach that focuses on prevention and finding solutions.
The Summit will have a panel that will tackle topics such as “Women’s rights are human rights”, “Women empowerment is a moral, ethical and economical issue which should be treated with importance” and “How to fast-track the implementation of sexual harassment policies and ultimately see such cases decrease”.
Professor Thuli Madonsela will deliver the key note address and the panellists will include Mr Pali Lehohla (Small Business Dev), Prof Mazibuko (Unisa), Mr Bafana Khumalo (Sonke Gender Justice), Ms Nomasonto Mazibuko (Commission for Gender Equality), Adv Thipanyane (South African Human Rights Commission), Ms Khanyisile Kweyama (Business), Ms Nunu Ntshingila (Facebook) and MEC of Education in Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi.
“The Motsepe Foundation is dedicated to creating platforms that will educate and help uplift the lives of people. This year’s Summit will focus on human right issues taking a special look at sexual harassment. We will focus on finding solutions and share best practices in addressing sexual harassment in public spaces,” says Motsepe Foundation Co-Chairperson and CEO, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe.
During the Summit, there will be a pledge signing for CEO’s and leaders who want to show their commitment and support to eliminate sexual harassment by being part of the #CountMeIn movement.
The inaugural Summit which took place last year launched The Little Black Book; A Resource Guide for Women across South Africa.
This was part of the organisation’s drive to educate and empower women. The Little Black Book provides key information for women at all levels, across the country.
About the Motsepe Foundation:
The Motsepe Foundation was established in 1999 by the Founder, Patrice Motsepe, and Co-Founder, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe. The Motsepe Foundation was the first family-owned organisation on the African continent to join The Giving Pledge, started by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet.
The Motsepe Foundation has since worked with international and local partners to achieve its vision to alleviate poverty and sustainably improve the living standards of the poor, the unemployed and the marginalised people of South Africa.

Source: My PR