On this Women's Day
Friday, March 08, 2019
Tax wants to see greater economic participation of women PIC: SADC.INT
This year’s theme recognises the role of innovation in advancing gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. It is a call for everyone to do things differently if we are to achieve transformative and better development outcomes for women, girls, men and boys in our society.
The state of women participation in innovation and science globally and in the SADC region remain low. Women and girls globally, including in our region, continue to be less engaged and under-represented in technology and innovation, and this creates a missed opportunity in terms of their influence and ideas in transforming our society.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...