Interview with Martha Legong, Coordinator for the gender programme at Khanya College

It is no secret that women continue to experience harassment and abuse at the the workplace despite efforts made by government and the civil society organisations to empower them and advance (women's) human rights. Martha Legong, the Gender programme coordinator responsible for the Women and Advice Centre at Khanya College says gender inequality is one of the key issues facing South Africa today. She says her organisation advocates for gender equality at grassroots level. “We work with community organsiations to build their capacity to fight for gender equality. We feel that there is need to fight gender based violence and HIV and AIDS in South Africa,” explains Legong. Legong applauds efforts made by civil society organisations to fight gender inequality but says more needs to be done to ensure that women enjoy their rights. She says there is need to build a strong women's movement to ensure that women's issues are adequately addressed. “There is no strong women movement in the country. Women's organisations are excelling when it comes to offering welfare services. However, there is no coordination of efforts and organisations are working in isolation, “ says Legong. Legong adds that there is need to coordinate efforts aimed at addressing challenges facing women particularity during this period when there is limited funding. Khanya college works to promote gender equality within the institution and at community level.