A call for women empowerment
Various speakers at the celebration of International Women's Day called for Rand West City residents to make efforts to ensure that women in society are protected and empowered in various spaces.
Various speakers at the celebration of International Women’s Day called for Rand West City residents to make efforts to ensure that women in society are protected and empowered in various spaces.
The various dignitaries who took to the podium at the Ace Ntsoelengoe Stadium on Thursday March 10 said the war against the abuse and oppression of women should be fought daily.
Phyllis Malope, who represented NGOs in the Rand West City region, said a gender-equal society is necessary to have a sustainable future.
Phyllis said as the world celebrated the day and heard the cries of the women, people should be commended for their achievements in various spheres such as economy, politics and culture.
Today we have a climate in which we’re expecting young women to carry the baton of awareness until violence against vulnerable women stop,” she said.
Bruce Nimmerhoudt, MMC for Human Settlements in the Rand West City Local Municipality said on days like International Women’s Day, more men should be in attendance, and it shouldn’t only be marked once a year.
“There are women issues that we’re faced with that should be a daily discussion. As much as it may be uncomfortable for us to discuss these issues, it’s important that we put matters on the table and as society say we’ve failed the advancement and empowerment of women,” Bruce said.
He added that if society could be honest about the high rate of GBV and femicide, and the number of opportunities given to women being minimal, it would be clear that women are being failed by society continuously.
Pastor Hester Mackenzie condemned women in high-ranking positions – especially in the public sector – who have the power to empower other women, but were not proactive enough to make a change in their lives.
We can’t have communities dying while you’ve got all the contacts and information to refer those who need your help,” the pastor said.
The celebration also saw a candlelight segment and prayer for women who lost their lives at the hands of their abusive partners in South Africa.
