The world needs strong women, and let’s remember that this August – Women’s Day (9th) and Women’s Month. In South Africa, Women’s Day celebrates the strength and resilience of women and their contribution to society. Overall, the month provides an opportunity to pay tribute to the generations of women whose struggles laid the foundations for the progress made in empowering women and achieving gender equality to date.
To many, it’s just another public holiday – a day off from work or school. But the younger generation, not only girls but boys too need to understand why this important date is commemorated. I challenge you today, to ask this question to the youngsters in your family: “Why does South Africa observe Women’s Day?”
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You might be surprised, some may know the answer, while on the other hand others might be stumped by the question. It is our duty as adults to teach youngsters the history of our country.
In case you don’t know the answer, here it is: In one of the largest demonstrations staged in this country’s history, 20 000 women of all races marched to Pretoria’s Union Buildings on August 9, 1956, to present a petition against the carrying of passes by women to the prime minister, JG Strijdom. The march against the pass laws was organised by the Federation of South African Women. The federation famously challenged the idea that ‘a woman’s place is in the kitchen’, declaring it instead to be ‘everywhere’.
Although the prime minister was not at the Union Buildings to accept the petition, the women sent a public message that they would not be intimidated and silenced by unjust laws. After the petition was handed over to the secretary of the prime minister, the women sang a freedom song: Wathint` abafazi, Strijdom! Since then, the phrase ‘wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo’ (You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock) has come to represent the courage and strength of South African women.
The first National Women’s Day was celebrated on August 9, 1995. In 2006, a re-enactment of the march was staged for its 50th anniversary, and many of the 1956 march veterans participated. National Women’s Day draws attention to many of the important issues that women still face – such as domestic violence, discrimination and harassment in the workplace, equal pay, education for girls and more.
Going into the future – families and communities have the responsibility of raising not only strong-minded girls but boys as well.
And to end, here’s some food for thought – an apt quote about women’s strength. “And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.”? Mark Anthony, The Beautiful Truth
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