Leading Issues Journal 2013

December 2013

EDITOR’S INTRODUCTION

ACLW notes with great sadness the passing of Nelson Mandela on 5 December 2013. We honour him for his immense courage and personal sacrifice in the pursuit of justice and equality for South Africa, and for his extraordinary leadership in pursuing forgiveness and reconciliation during his time as president from 1994 to 1999.

After stepping down from the presidency, Mr Mandela set up the Nelson Mandela Foundation to identify areas in which he could make a difference, including international politics, poverty and children’s rights.

In an interactive ‘Women in Dialogue’ session hosted by the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory and the City of Tshwane at Freedom Park on 18 August, 2013, Professor Njabulo Ndebele, Chair of Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory said in his introduction to the session, “Madiba said it best, the cause of women’s emancipation is part of our national struggle against outdated practices and prejudices.  It is a struggle that demands equal effort from both men and women alike”. The Women in Dialogue session emphasised that although South Africa has made great strides in gender equality and is a model to other countries, gender inequality continues to impede efforts to build social cohesion. The Session can be viewed here.

 “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” — Nelson Mandela

This edition features the work of some extraordinary women leaders who make a difference in strengthening the recognition of women and children’s rights and their empowerment internationally. 

Actions for consideration by The Male Champions of Change group to increase the representation of women in leadership are included in this edition in the hope that they build momentum and create inspiration for leaders at all levels to advance women in workplaces.

Leading Issues Journal

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