The highlight of the month is the observation of the annual National Women's Day on 9 August and this year, it will be celebrated under the theme, 'Working together to enhance women's opportunities to economic empowerment.'

This year's Women's Month will start with the three-day National Women's Conference of more than 800 women from across the country in Boksburg this evening. The conference creates a platform for engagement on key issues affecting the status of women in the country.

Xingwana said the objective of the gathering is to discuss and resolve key policy considerations to be included in the Gender Equality Bill, which is being developed to increase women participation in all sectors of society.

She said Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe is expected to respond to key issues raised by women when he delivers the closing address on August 3.

The minister also announced that this year's National Women's Day will be celebrated at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Limpopo, adding that President Jacob Zuma will be the main speaker. She also announced that on 11 - 12 August, there will be a Women Economic Empowerment Conference at the ICC in Durban. The conference will review progress and identify measures needed to advance women empowerment as a prerequisite for global economic competitiveness.

On 18 August, Human Settlements Deputy Minister Zoliswa Kota-Fredericks will hand over 55 of 1, 956 houses being built in commemoration of 1956 Women's march in Branford, Free State.