As August draws to a close, so is the national period for celebrating women.
National Women’s Day is celebrated every year in August to pays tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on August 9, 1956 to protest the extension of Pass Laws to women.
Rekord took to the streets to understand from locals what Women’s Month means to them and how they used the period to reflect on the journey of the women of South Africa.
Here is what locals had to say:
Keoratile Losaba (21)
“Women are being killed and kidnapped on an almost a daily basis and despite being celebrated or not, nothing changes. In this month, we are only reminded of the lives lost not the action taken to protect women. We are supposed to celebrate womanhood but we’re mourning women who mostly died by a man’s hand because they [men] felt they were superior to them.”
Mary Phiri (30)
“Women are only celebrated by those who benefit from our existence, often with undisclosed motives. Womanhood is not defined by motherhood; being a woman is an identity that stands alone, but there are still men and other women who disrespect that. The idea of men being superior to women is outdated, as we now possess equal capabilities and strengths. We are the pillars that hold everything together, deserving of genuine recognition and respect.”
Mari Du Toit Prinsloo (54)
“For centuries, men have dominated the world, but women are equally strong and capable and deserve respect and equal treatment, regardless of gender. However, men are still often preferred for top positions, especially in male-dominated fields, due to gender bias. Despite this, I’m proud to be a woman as I embrace my abilities and strengths.”
Sduduzo Sithole (24)
“Being a woman is a complex experience that can’t be defined by a single characteristic and our contributions to society are often overlooked, but they are essential to creating a more equal and just world. Womanhood means strength, resilience and nurturing and as women, we do deserve more recognition and celebration for our achievements.”
As we head towards the end of Women’s Month, we honour the women, trailblazers, innovators, and leaders who have paved the way for future generations.
However, despite progress, women still face unique challenges in their careers.
In this vox pop, we asked women from diverse backgrounds and industries to share their experiences, struggles, and triumphs.
From confronting sexism and discrimination to balancing work and family responsibilities, their stories offer a glimpse into the complexities of being a woman in the workplace.
What’s the most significant challenge you’ve faced as a woman in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Emily Wilson (32) Sales agent
The most significant challenge I’ve faced is balancing my career and family responsibilities. I overcame it by setting clear boundaries and prioritising my time effectively.
What’s the biggest misconception about women in the workplace that you’d like to clarify?
Nandi Mvandaba (24) Cashier
A misconception that gets to me is that women are too emotional or hormonal to lead effectively. It’s frustrating because it’s based on outdated stereotypes and biases.
Have you experienced or witnessed sexism or discrimination in the workplace? How was it addressed?
Charlotte van Riebeek (36) Assistant manager
I’ve experienced sexism in my workplace where my ideas were dismissed or attributed to my male colleagues. I addressed it by speaking up and seeking support from mentors.
Nobuhle Dlephu, EPW Worker (Library Technician)
I struggled to get hired to my current job due to the misconception that women couldn’t handle the workload. After advocating for myself, I managed to secure the position. I discovered that the job requirements were well within my capabilities and not inherently demanding of a specific gender. I firmly believe that the notion of certain jobs being exclusively for men must be stopped as it perpetuates toxic masculinity and reinforces gender inequality.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
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