Apartheid struggle icon, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela will speak at the launch of Our stories: An inaugural exhibition of women’s narratives from across the continent on 10 October at the Women’s Jail at Constitutional Hill.
She will be accompanied by her granddaughter, Swati Dlamini. The event will be presented by the organisation, Behind the Faces. It will showcase women’s stories to show the world how the daughters of the continent are entrepreneurial, astute, inquisitive, forward-looking and in possession of a fighting spirit.
“Through stories we have a chance to share our common humanity,” said Behind the Faces co-director, Pippa Hetherington. “In so doing, those being heard, feel honoured and respected, while those hearing feel inspired and enlightened.”
The women whose stories are being told include iconic women from all walks of life; women making a life for themselves and their families in the midst of war; women leading communities and countries; women of the arts; sportswomen; caregivers; entrepreneurs; environmentalists and philanthropists.
Hetherington described Madikizela-Mandela as a grandmother, mother, wife, activist, woman, leader, rebel and friend. “Our exhibition aims to highlight how women across the African continent, no matter their culture or creed, are all these things and more,” Hetherington said.