Media Statement: The Soul City Institute applauds the appointment of Board Deputy Chairperson, Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng as the Special Rapporteur on Right to Health to the United Nations
Special Rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the Human Rights Council to examine and report back on specific human rights themes. Dr Mofokeng has been appointed ‘Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health’.
The board and staff of the SCI applaud Dr Mofokeng’s appointment. As a feminist institute working for social justice for womxn and girls, Dr Mofokeng exemplifies the calibre of feminist leadership that Soul City seeks to build.
During her 13 year career as a medical expert, Dr Mofokeng has been on the frontlines of the fight for women’s health rights and has been a thought-leader and vocal advocate for the intersectionality of gender, class, disability, migration, climate change, and health rights.
Dr Mofokeng’s leadership in the area of gender and health is indisputable. Her visibility and vocal advocacy for the rights of womxn and girls, coupled with her accessibility and insightful and informed leadership, has done much to raise awareness of health as a critical human rights issue for womxn and girls in South Africa.
The Soul City Institute is delighted by Dr Tlaleng’s appointment and looks forward to leading the charge to making womxn’s human rights a lived reality, with Dr Tlaleng as part of our Board.
The staff and board wish Dr Tlaleng every success in this new and prestigious chapter in her role ensuring that everyone enjoys the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, and that states - particularly our own - respect, protect and fulfil womxn’s Constitutionally protected right to health.
Gail Smith, Soul City Institute Spokesperson | gail@soulcity.org.za | 060 988 3792
