Women’s Day – what it means to you

We asked local women, of all ages and races, what Woman’s Day means to them. This is what they had to say:

JUDITH DUNN –
Freedom and emancipation. As women, we always been taught that freedom is something we achieve, but it’s not – it’s inherent. It’s in us to be free. The journey to freedom starts in our minds. When women are educated, they realise that this freedom has always been in them, they simply have to accept it.
And when I speak of emancipation, I mean the results – what happens after you have identified your personal freedom. You are emancipated from societal pressure – the pressure from becoming something that you’re not, and fitting into a role. It’s understanding that you can be completely multi-faceted and still be a complete woman.

THANDIWE MATHABA –
It means the celebration of women who fought for our rights, and for the voices of all women to be heard.
It means women are capable enough to lead, in any sector, and they can move mountains if united.

MICHELLE JEWLAL –
In a South African context, is to reflect on what happened in 1956, and ask ourselves if the women of today have carried that legacy forward. Have we fought hard enough for the same type of equality?
This year, the international theme is focused on an equal world, bringing equality through.
If women are on an equal footing, it can make a difference on a global scale, because we’re enabling communities and women.
Behind every fabulous woman, there are always other, hard-working women who have sacrificed so much. This is so the women of today can rise above the challenges, and rise against the tides – and at the moment, this is gender-based violence.

BUHLE KAMANTULI –
It means women celebrating other women, and coming together to guide and help each other grow.

DEBBIE BOTHA –
It’s to recognise our mothers and sisters for the struggles they been through as women.
Having to carry children and be mothers, work and look after our families – for us to be recognised for that is a wonderful thing.