"Status of women remains priority for government" Zuma

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 President Jacob Zuma says improving the status of women remains a critical priority for this government.

He made the remarks during his State of the Nation speech in Parliament on Thursday.

He said the Bill on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment has been approved by Cabinet for public comment.

The Bill criminalises practices that have adverse effects on women and girls.

He also referred to the recent brutal gang rape and murder of Western Cape teenager, Anene Booysen.

"The brutal gang rape and murder of Anene Booysen and other women and girls in recent times has brought into sharp focus the need for unity and action to eradicate the scourge. The brutality and cruelty against defenseless women is unacceptable" Zuma said.