PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma says much more needs to be done to emancipate women.

Zuma was speaking at a Women's Day celebration in Vryheid on Sunday.

He said the government should work smarter to improve the lives of marginalised and poor women.

Significant progress had been made in the representation of women in society, most notably in public institutions, Zuma said, but "we need to do more".

"Women empowerment and gender parity is not about numbers. It is about opening up the space for women to influence meaningful change. Doors that were previously closed to women must be opened for them to enjoy equal opportunities with men," he said.