ALBERTON – Each year on Women’s Day we celebrate the brave women who marched to the Union Buildings on August 9, 1956, in protest against the extension of pass laws to women. The historic march was a turning point in the diverse role that women played in the political destiny of our country.
One of the stalwarts of this historic 1956 event was a daughter of Ekurhuleni – Bertha Gxowa. Mam Bertha, as she was fondly known, was more than just a woman she was a mother to the people of Ekurhuleni. After the march, women from all walks of life became equal partners in the struggle for a non-racial and non-sexist South Africa. Today we have a democratic, non-racial and non-sexist community in a country with progressive laws and policies aimed towards women empowerment and gender equality. We have a constitution, which has affirmed all citizens of this country, including women, by recognising and upholding their rights.
Women are part of the economic power of our city and Ekurhuleni has several programs and initiatives dedicated to the emancipation of women as a tool to create a future “free from unfair discrimination, inequality, abuse and exploitation,” towards women. Together we can Bridge the Gap of violence and poverty through gender equality and women empowerment. Many of us also take this opportunity on Women’s Day to pay tribute to the women in our daily lives and the very special role that they play.
Let’s Bridge the Gap this Women’s Day and honor our grandmothers, mothers, wives and daughters. I am privileged to have a mother, a wife and a daughter that I will pay tribute to. Women are God’s gift to mankind.
Msalibongwe igame lamakhosikazi!
Read more here:
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Bridge the Gap: Youth Economic Freedom
