Public Protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela on Tuesday urged women to take a leading role to help transform society.

Speaking at the Agenda/Human Science Research Council Feminist Dialogue in Pretoria, which brought together academics, feminist activists, policy makers and civil society to reflect on and critically examine the role of women in transforming public and private institutions and society, Madonsela said having a position was not about power, but was about responsibility.

She lauded women in leadership positions who continued to work hard in their respective roles while also acknowledging that women have always been at the forefront in transforming South African society, citing leaders such as Charlotte Maxeke, among others.

Madonsela highlighted stories such as a primary school in Kroonstad which was built from scratch and currently accommodated over 2000 learners, as well as a municipal councillor who mobilised her community to find the body of a missing girl, which led to the killer giving himself up to the police, as among some of the stories that demonstrate the diligence and resolution it takes to change society.

Madonsela conceded that the progress made in transformation was encouraging. However, she also warned that more still needed to be done, but noted that there had been an increase in women taking leadership positions. “This is not simply because of their gender but because of their competency and expertise,” she stated.

“While the country has done exceedingly well in introducing enabling laws and policies on gender awareness, there are serious implementation gaps,” she remarked.

She invited women to become involved in all national dialogues on key issues, including good governance and reporting corruption.

She urged women leaders at all levels to work with her office and other State institutions to strengthen democracy, promote the rule of law and ensure that government implemented the measures required to ensure an improved quality of life for all.