Forgotten Women aims to shine a light on the struggles that everyday women have had to endure.
The book is the brainchild of Charlotte du Plessis, CEO of Women of Stature, and features the stories of 15 women who have overcome adversity to rise to the top of their game.
Speaking at the launch of the book in Bedfordview on December 4, Charlotte said the book came to fruition after she heard of many women who had lost their jobs and businesses as a result of the pandemic.
“Many of the women we knew through the organisation were negatively affected. Retrenchments, job and business losses are a real thing. I knew that I needed to find a way to raise money for these women.”
Charlotte said even if she was able to help one woman, she would have accomplished her goal.
“The entire book was written and produced during lockdown,” she said.
Charlotte said the idea behind the book was to create something that would resonate with other women.
“I wanted women who buy the book to read the stories and be able to relate to them. Many women have gone through similar circumstances.
“The essence of the book is how women had to fight the patriarchal system. Through all the generations there has been a system that women would have to fight against.
“When we look back, women have always had to prove that they are worthy and just as entitled as men to succeed,” Charlotte said.
In the book, 15 authors share their experiences in overcoming various systems put in place to oppress them.
“Each author’s experience is rooted in beliefs, cultures and South Africa’s history that they had to fight to be where they are today. From facing challenges at home to fighting to have their voices heard in the boardroom, every woman has a story to tell.”
Writing the book’s foreword, Prof Shirley Zinn said the book is a call-to-action for women and men who seek to build a better future.
“Every chapter captures the essence and the spirit of a pioneering woman who has overcome social adversities that silenced their voices.
The book is aimed at giving women their voice back,” said Charlotte.
“Forgotten women are those women who, as a result of systemic sexism, have not been heard, not been supported, not been empowered, not been given recognition and have been pushed to the periphery of society,” said Shirley.
Charlotte said the objective behind the release of the book was to raise money to help women who run small businesses that do not qualify for government relief or business assistance.
“It will also support women who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic,” she said.
Women of Stature hopes to release a new book every year in commemoration of Women’s Month.
“There are so many women who have a story to tell. It may carry the same title or it may not. We want to give women a platform to be able to tell their stories and the opportunity to become a writer and the author of their own story,” Charlotte said.
All funds raised from the sale of Forgotten Women will go towards the Woman Rise – Healing Wing Programme.
The book is available on Amazon as an e-book or in limited hard copy format from Women of Stature.
For more information send an email to foundation@womenofstature.co.za
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