The fact that women begin to avoid running for public office because of the harassment and sometimes even violence that they face as a hazard, it means that the world is being robbed of extraordinary leadership that women can bring to bear. And of course, if women as professionals begin to look at making career choices because they're looking at whether Am I going to be safe or not? You can imagine the missed opportunities that are out there for women.
Phumzile Mlambo-NgcukaMy mother always told me that inaction is not an option. And neither is going it alone.
Phumzile Mlambo-NgcukaThere is no great force for change, for peace, for justice and democracy, for inclusive economic growth than a world of empowered women.
Phumzile Mlambo-NgcukaPatriarchy is bestowed on men at birth. Whether you want it or not, you have a privilege as a man, and you either fight against it and reject it by becoming a feminist man, or you enjoy the privileges that come with it.
Phumzile Mlambo-NgcukaThese days, because women are so active on social media, it is important to be active on the sites of social media that represent the right value system. If you are a student on campus, be part of action groups that exist on campus. The worst thing that can happen to a young person is to be young and not be part of anything that is bigger than you. I think that it's such a missed opportunity, because the future depends on those who walk an extra mile in order to make sure that the world will be better because they have lived in it.
Phumzile Mlambo-NgcukaI think we have to continue to protect women on social media, who are coming out in a world that can still be very harsh towards them, so that they do not feel that they are alone. And of course, some of these attacks happen on social media, so we do need to provide a counter narrative - a supportive narrative - so that the voices of those that are punitive towards women does not become the dominant voice.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka