Women make up more than half of South Africa’s electorate. Their votes have the power to influence the direction of our country, shape political leadership and determine which issues receive attention. Yet, despite this significant voting power, women remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces, and many continue to live in fear of gender-based violence, struggle with economic inequality and carry the burden of raising children in communities where basic services and opportunities are often inadequate. As we approach the local government elections, we have to ask: are political parties doing enough to protect and empower women, or are women’s votes being taken for granted? Beyond the promises made during election campaigns, what are parties offering women in practical, measurable terms? And what should women be looking at when deciding which party deserves their vote? Tonight, we explore the power of the women’s vote, the issues that matter most to women and the questions every woman should be asking before she heads to the ballot box.

<p>Women make up more than half of South Africa&rsquo;s electorate. Their votes have the&nbsp;power to influence the direction of our country, shape political leadership and&nbsp;determine which issues receive attention. Yet, despite this significant voting&nbsp;power, women remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces, and many&nbsp;continue to live in fear of gender-based violence, struggle with economic&nbsp;inequality and carry the burden of raising children in communities where basic&nbsp;services and opportunities are often inadequate.&nbsp;As we approach the local government elections, we have to ask: are political&nbsp;parties doing enough to protect and empower women, or are women&rsquo;s votes&nbsp;being taken for granted? Beyond the promises made during election campaigns,&nbsp;what are parties offering women in practical, measurable terms? And what should&nbsp;women be looking at when deciding which party deserves their vote? Tonight, we&nbsp;explore the power of the women&rsquo;s vote, the issues that matter most to women and&nbsp;the questions every woman should be asking before she heads to the ballot box.</p>

<p>METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope </p>