Mashatile says gender equality is fundamental to a thriving democracy [SOUND]

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile has called for the prioritisation of the empowerment of women to promote economic growth and social equality. He addressed the inaugural P20 Women’s Parliament of the seventh administration. South Africa holds the second position among G20 nations regarding female representation, with women constituting 42-percent of the members in Parliament. Mashatile says true democracy can only flourish when all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and have access to equal opportunities: