On Thursday, 28 May 2026, the Speaker of Council, Cllr Mncedi Ndzwanana, hosted 80 girl learners from Eersterust Secondary School in celebration of the annual South African initiative, Take a Girl Child to Work. The initiative aims to empower young girls by exposing them to diverse career opportunities and broadening their understanding of the various professional paths that are available to them.
The Speaker of Council champions these girl-focused initiatives with full recognition that, while every child has the fundamental right to education, protection, health, respect, and to have their voice heard, many children across the world continue to be deprived of these basic rights. However, girls remain disproportionately affected by these injustices and are often more vulnerable to inequality and exclusion.
The Take a Girl Child to Work initiative seeks to address gender inequality and the underrepresentation of women in the workplace, particularly in leadership positions. Focused investment in the empowerment and development of girls is essential, as the lack of adequate support and attention to the challenges they face contributes to many of the social challenges that currently confront South Africa.