To the CEO of Neftaly Neftaly Malatjie, the Chairperson of the Neftaly Royal committee, Mr Legodi, Neftaly Royal Committee Members, all Neftaly Royal Chiefs and Neftaly Human capital

Kgotso a ebe le lena

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1. Introduction

The event provided a platform for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue on gender equity, rights, and inclusivity within the context of digital health systems. Discussions focused on promoting equitable access, safeguarding rights, and ensuring that gender considerations are effectively integrated into national digital health initiatives.

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2. Attendance

The event was attended by the following participants:

• Andries Macuacua
• Kamogelo Mpe
• Manoko Ditsoabane

Additional contributors actively participated in discussions and shared insights during the sessions.

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3. Purpose of the Event

The primary purpose of the event was to discuss the implementation of initiatives aimed at strengthening gender equity and rights within the National Digital Health Strategy. Specific emphasis was placed on inclusivity, equitable digital access, protection of human rights, and the adoption of gender-responsive approaches in digital health planning and implementation.

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4. Key Discussion Areas

4.1 Understanding Gender and Equity

Participants explored the concept of gender strengthening as a process that involves respecting all genders and addressing existing gender power imbalances. The importance of building and clarifying gender-related concepts was emphasized to ensure shared understanding among stakeholders.

Recognition of male, female, and LGBTQ+ individuals was highlighted as essential to achieving inclusivity. Gender diversity was described as acknowledging and respecting individuals regardless of their gender identity. Equity was defined as ensuring fairness and equal access to opportunities for all, particularly within health and digital systems.

4.2 Gender Rights and Dignity

Discussions underscored that equity includes awareness, recognition, and exercise of rights by both women and men. Core values identified during the event included dignity, non-discrimination, accountability, and respect.

Participants agreed that gender considerations are critical in the development and implementation of digital health systems to ensure that services are accessible, safe, and responsive to the needs of all users.

4.3 National Digital Health Strategy

The group discussed the importance of distinguishing between traditional and modern approaches to service delivery, including technology-based and non-technology-based methods. Strong emphasis was placed on the role of digital platforms in modernizing health service delivery and expanding access to health information and services.

Participants highlighted the need for digital health solutions that are inclusive and sensitive to gender and social differences.

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5. Presentations and Contributions

Sello shared preliminary insights from reading materials related to gender and digital health; further details are expected to be shared at a later stage. Participants also emphasized the importance of understanding diverse lived experiences, particularly those of women from different socio-economic backgrounds, including both affluent and marginalized women.

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6. Challenges Identified

Several key challenges were identified during the discussions:

• Limited digital literacy: Many individuals lack basic computer skills, limiting their ability to benefit from digital health services.
• Need for collective responsibility: Participants noted that strengthening gender equity requires active participation and support from all members of society.
• Sexual abuse: Identified by Tsepang as a serious and ongoing concern impacting gender equity and personal safety.
• Emotional and physical abuse: Kgothatso highlighted that abuse can be emotional, such as the use of hurtful language, or physical, including physical violence, and that it affects both men and women.
• Online safety: Lelethu shared information on guidelines promoting responsible, respectful, and non-abusive use of the internet to ensure safer digital environments.

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7. Conclusion

Nhlaluko presented key approaches to strengthening gender equity, emphasizing awareness-raising, education, mutual respect, and accountability.

The event concluded with a shared understanding of the need for continued education, inclusive dialogue, and the stronger implementation of gender-responsive and rights-based approaches within the National Digital Health Strategy to ensure equitable and sustainable digital health outcomes.

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My message shall end here

Kamogelo Mpe | NeftalyCDR | Neftaly