International Women’s Day is celebrated annually, focusing on women’s achievements throughout history and across nations while calling for greater equality between male and female.
It is also known as the United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. This day was initially conceived in 1911 to focus on working women before it was broadened to cater for all sectors of the female community.
“Twenty-one years ago leaders from all over the world committed to a future in which women are equal to their male counterparts,” said Gungubele.
“This they did because they understood that without the sacrifice of women in the struggle for supreme human order, the fight would be far from over.
“Who can forget the historic march by South African women 60 years ago, when they decided that ‘enough is enough’ with the atrocious pass laws of the time?
“These women had had enough of seeing their spouses suffer in the land of their forefathers at the hands of a minority few, and decided to demonstrate their own prowess and anger. Special salute goes to our own Sophia du Bruyne, Bertha Gxowa, Margaret Gazo and Ruth First who were at the forefront of this historic march.
“However, while it is good to always reflect on the past, I wish to encourage all our people to honour the heroines of the past while acknowledging the role of women in the present.
“Let us learn from the wisdom of those great women of our past and take the lessons learnt forward,” said Gungubele.
“Today there are a host of young South African women who have demonstrated great understanding of the present socio-economic challenges facing our people and with some support and help can change the fortunes of our land.”
“This year’s celebration of International Women’s Day is the first within the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, wherein Gender Equality and the empowerment of women and girls are confidently asserted in that Agenda as fundamental to progress.
“As we head towards the local government elections we must mobilise women to defend and deepen our democracy by ensuring that our children, from 16 years old are registered to vote.
“It is also women who can assist us mobilise most South Africans to participate in this democratic process of the local government elections,” the mayor explained.
He encouraged all women to continue playing a key role in the socio-economic growth of Ekurhuleni, the Gauteng City Region, South Africa and the rest of the world.
The metro will officially commemorate International Women’s Day on March 19.
