Ehlanzeni District mayor empowers women to form sisterhood
The executive mayor of the Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Jesta Sidell said modern women need to unify and support one another just like those of 1956.
Grabbing the chance to celebrate women during Women’s Month, Ehlanzeni District Municipality’s (EDM) executive mayor, Jesta Sidell, encouraged all women to take a stand and unite.
She invited the ladies to join her for brunch at Nutting House Lodge on Wednesday August 16, to tackle some of the issues they face. Despite the dull weather, the ladies brought some brightness and enjoyed uplifting conversations.
Sidell said sisterhood is the key factor in the empowerment of women and to be as strong as a rock, just like the women in 1956.
“The women of 1956 laid the foundation, and it is up to the new generation to continue with their vision. It is clear the 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria were unified under one vision, and that is to fight for and cement themselves as powerful and noble women. They understood one woman would not be able to do it by herself, but coming together from across the country would make such an impact. These women wanted to live for themselves and be seen as great contributors to the country’s economy. Women today can own businesses and head big corporations, but we lack the unity,” she said.
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Sidell said nowadays, women disrespect and undermine one another, and that that should provide safe spaces for their peers.
“We need to form a sisterhood that will encourage and build more young women who understand unity. We need to fix one another’s crowns and teach our girls to never laugh at other girls.”
She said the EDM prioritises women, and implements initiatives in favour of them, such as gender-based violence campaigns. She said the municipality focuses on having more women in managerial positions, such as herself and the municipal manager, Dr Nontobeko Mahlalela.
Sidell also encouraged the women to understand their purposes, and to protect and love one another. “Be mindful of your behaviour as women, because we represent and have values that align with a purposeful life.”
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Various speakers shared wise and encouraging words to the women, such as Gladys Mndawe, who spoke about the importance of mental health and financial education.
