FOREWORD BY THE MINISTER OF HEALTH

Dr Mantombazana Edmie Tshabalala-Msimang
Minister of Health

The first decade of democracy has seen substantial changes for women as a result of social, political and economic developments as well as changes in government policy and legislation. The South African Government has become a world leader in the empowerment of women and in its commitment to ensuring that women become actively involved in all decision-making that affects their lives and the lives of their families.

But all these changes would come to nought without the thousands of health workers and community leaders who have laboured tirelessly to ensure that policy is translated into reality and that legislation is worth more than just the paper it is printed on.

Today, 10 years after the first historic election, we pay tribute to the Women in Health who have served our communities, our clinics, our hospitals, our health departments and our ministries to ensure that all South Africans have equal access to quality health services.

These women operate in a very different environment from that of ten years ago. They work in a society in which the overwhelming majority of people have access to clean water and sanitation, in which millions of children are ensured of a meal during their school day and in which South African women are being empowered to take control of their reproductive health and of their health during pregnancy.

While access to basic services has contributed significantly to building a healthy nation, the health challenges women face have also increased. This overview paints a picture of hard working women who are dedicated and determined to tackle the challenges facing them and those close to them head on, in their quest to restoring the dignity of our people through health.

Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang
Minister of Health