The importance of high-level advocacy for women's rights: an HSRC expert represents South Africa at the Women 20 Summit in Indonesia

Abstract

In July, Professor Narnia Bohler-Muller, divisional executive of the HSRC's Developmental, Capable and Ethical State division, represented South Africa at the Women 20 Summit in Indonesia. In most cases, the country representatives debating women's rights at these summits are diplomats and politicians, but a few countries do send scholars and activists. Also, due to the vastly different cultural, religious and social backgrounds of the participants, the resulting debates are not for the faint-hearted. You need to bring evidence to the table if you want your suggestions to be taken seriously, says Bohler-Muller, who spoke to Antoinette Oosthuizen about advocating for women's rights at international forums.