All women have been urged to band together to fight the injustices that South African women continue to experience.
CEO of Freedom Park, Jane Mufamadi responded to complaints from women about the injustices they continue to face in society, including segregation and discrimination that sought to depict them as, among other things, less valuable and competent than men.
According to Mufamadi, for women to succeed in achieving their goals of living in a nation free from structural oppression, sexism, racism, ageism, and gender oppression, they must take inspiration from their fearless forebears who marched to the Union Buildings on August 9, 1956.
She said that one of the lessons from the historic march was that women needed to unite to empower one another and oppose oppression and dominance.
“We are aware that some of the difficulties we face today existed even back then. However, the lesson we should take from the women who marched on the apartheid government is unity of purpose.”
Although every woman who took part in the march inspires their present counterpart in some manner, Mufamadi’s favourite leader is Ma Charlotte Maxeke because of some commonalities the two share.
“I adore Ma Charlotte Maxeke since she was raised in a rural area. She overcame social and cultural hurdles, and it was revealed that she was one of the first women to participate in the traditional council that advised the king, which was unique. One can see that there are no barriers if we support and inspire one another by reading her narrative and looking at what she has accomplished.”
She said that Ma Maxeke addressed the mistreatment and discrimination of women in the workplace, as well as the double oppression that women experienced due to uneven remuneration for equal effort.
“My favourite quotation from one of her writings, which for me is a personal guiding principle, is when she says, ‘This work is not for yourself, kill that spirit of self and do not live above people, but live with them and if you can rise to bring someone with you‘.”
Mufamadi said this, in her opinion, was a prime illustration of humanity.
“Imagine the impact we could have if we adhered to Ma Maxeke’s teachings. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have influence should help at least one woman out there.”
She added that this was essential for women who are oppressed, powerless and despondent and that the difference they could make in the lives of countless women would inspire hope.
She advocated for women to start actively empowering one another.
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