A celebration of women at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital
CORONATIONAVILLE – The hospital held a special event for the nurses at the hospital in honour of the work they do for the community.
Though the power and resilience of South African women should always be praised and recognised, August is hailed nationwide as Women’s Month.
As such, various events are held throughout the month to pay homage to the sacrifices made by women. Young or old, generations past or current, the role women have always played in our society has been unyielding in its strength and inspiring in its action.
On August 25 Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital held an event in recognition of women under the theme ‘Generation equality: Ralising women’s rights for an equal future’. The hospital’s CEO, Dr Nozuko Mkabayi, said the event was dedicated to the staff members of the hospital.
Asked to come dressed in all black attire with a touch of colour, nurses attended a ceremony whose sole purpose was to make them see their efforts and sacrifice, especially in the last year, has not been in vain. A fitting celebration at a prime location considering the hospital is named after a woman who played a key role in the national uprising of women on August 9, 1956. While pregnant, Moosa was part of team of powerful women who organised a women’s march to the Union Buildings in petition against pass laws.
On the day of the women’s celebration at the hospital various speakers were present. One of those was Pastor Cindy Jacobs who shared on her admiration for the nurses and the work they do daily. “I knew little of the fears and trauma that plagued front-line workers.”
A realisation that she only overcame after her mother’s experience with Covid-19. Another speaker was one of the hospital’s nurses, Sister Martha Williams, who read a poem she wrote. It is a poignant poem that touched the hearts of every woman in the audience, that spoke of the various forms of abused she had endured in her life thus far.
The hospital’s ambassador, praise poet and musician, Jessica Mbangeni, was greeted with a myriad of ululations from the women upon her arrival. She too spoke of her life journey and how pivotal moments in her life shaped her into the prolific woman she is now.
