At a Women’s Day rally in Secunda, South Africa, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema stirred debate by calling on men to provide financial support to women, particularly black women, as a form of redress for historical and ongoing oppression.
“An irresponsible man is one who doesn’t give women money,” Malema declared, emphasizing that black women endure “triple oppression” due to their race, gender, and economic circumstances.
He argued that men have a responsibility to offer financial compensation, stating, “Women, especially black women, were oppressed three times more than men, and they still face pain.
We must support them.”Malema connected his call for financial support to broader efforts to combat gender-based violence, urging men to protect and respect women.
He also addressed absent fathers, proposing that an EFF government would impose strict penalties, such as economic blacklisting, on men who fail to pay child maintenance.
“Neglecting your child creates criminals in our communities,” he cautioned.
His remarks echoed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Women’s Day focus on women’s financial empowerment but sparked polarized reactions online.
Supporters praised Malema’s push for accountability and economic justice, while critics argued his proposals oversimplify complex socio-economic issues.
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