How can South Africa work against the feminisation of poverty?
NM: By addressing key socio-economic issues. For example, by creating more employment opportunities, through poverty alleviation programmes, a vigorous strategy and action plan for combating HIV and AIDS, enforcement of compulsory basic education for every child, both boys and girls, so that they are equally empowered, by creating an enabling environment and space for girls and women to get into the scarce skills industry. One other critical issue that exacerbates feminisation of poverty, but remains a ‘sacred cow’, is that our men are not held responsible for fathering children. Every child that is born has a father somewhere, but men often disappear from their children’s lives and refuse to take responsibility or play an active father role.
