President Jacob Zuma would release South Africa's first Status of Women Report as part of the Women's Day celebration on Sunday in Sasolburg, in the Free State, the government said yesterday. This year's Women's Month takes place against the backdrop of the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Charter and the 61st anniversary of the Women's Charter.To commemorate these historic events, more than 20,000 women will participate in a rally in the Free State under the theme: "Women united in moving South Africa forward.""Following the demise of apartheid, South Africa has moved towards the advancement of women empowerment and gender parity," a government statement said."This was affirmed in the recent Beijing +20 Country Report, which highlighted South Africa's human rights-based legislative framework, the institutional mechanisms put in place to promote women's human rights, dignity empowerment and gender equality, and the achievements in the representation of women in decision-making structures and processes, in both the public and private sectors."Acting cabinet spokesman Phumla Williams said: "Women now enjoy equal rights, as enshrined in the constitution."South African women have taken their rightful place in parliament, government, the private sector and civil society."But violence, abuse, rape, unemployment and poverty remain a concern.Said Williams: "The government has put in place legislation and policies to create an enabling environment for women, and to improve their participation in income-generating activities in the economy."Williams said empowering women was at the core of the government's efforts to combat poverty and stimulate sustainable development.During August, activities aimed at promoting women's rights will be held throughout the country...