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

Minutes of the Event

Event: Strengthening Gender Equity and Rights in the National Digital Health Strategy

1. Attendance

The meeting was attended by the following participants:

• Andries Macuacua
• Kamogelo Mpe
• Manoko Ditsoabane

2. Purpose of the Meeting

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the implementation of initiatives aimed at strengthening gender equity and rights within the National Digital Health Strategy, with a focus on inclusivity, digital access, and protection of rights.

3. Key Discussion Points

3.1 Understanding Gender and Equity

• Gender strengthening involves respecting all genders and addressing gender power imbalances.
• Building and clarifying gender concepts is essential for mutual understanding.
• Recognition of male, female, and LGBTQ+ individuals was emphasized as critical for inclusivity.
• Gender diversity means acknowledging and respecting one another regardless of gender identity.
• Equity was defined as ensuring fairness and equal access to opportunities for everyone.

3.2 Gender Rights and Dignity

• Equity includes knowing and exercising rights as both females and males.
• Core values discussed included dignity, non-discrimination, and accountability.
• Gender considerations are important in the development and implementation of digital health systems.

3.3 National Digital Health Strategy

• The group discussed the need to distinguish between modern and traditional ways of doing things, including technology-based and non-technology-based approaches.
• Emphasis was placed on modern methods of delivering health services through digital platforms.

4. Presentations and Contributions

• Sello shared insights from reading materials related to gender and digital health (noted but details pending).
• Participants highlighted the importance of understanding each other’s experiences, including those of women from different socio-economic backgrounds, such as rich women and marginalized women.

5. Common Challenges Identified

1. Limited digital literacy: Many participants do not know how to use computers.
2. Need for collective responsibility: Everyone has a role to be helpful and supportive.
3. Sexual abuse: Raised by Tsepang as a serious concern.
4. Emotional and physical abuse: Kgothatso highlighted that abuse can be emotional (hurtful words) or physical (beating), and that it occurs among both men and women.
5. Online safety: Lelethu shared information about guidelines on the responsible and non-abusive use of the internet.

6. Conclusion

• Nhlaluko presented information on ways of strengthening gender equity, emphasizing awareness, education, and mutual respect.
• The meeting concluded with agreement on the need for continued education, inclusive dialogue, and stronger implementation of gender-responsive approaches in digital health.

My message shall end here

Kamogelo Mpe | NeftalyCDR | Neftaly