Women’s Day in South Africa is an important and welcome annual opportunity to highlight the role of women across the entire spectrum of womanhood in society.
From the caring hands of a mother who genuinely comforts a child and wipes away their tears to a corporate woman who stands her ground in a man’s world.
The play on words is intentional to convey that a woman does not need to stand back for anyone in any area, bearing in mind that women’s strength is rooted in compassion and femininity – superpowers that men do not possess.
The celebration of Women’s Day in South Africa, in addition to International Women’s Day on 8 May, demonstrates a sincere desire to give recognition to the women of this country.
There is also mounting pressure from women’s side on society in general and government to take decisive action to protect women and their role in communities – there has to be more to it than celebrating a single day in the year without any further action.
South Africa is a violent society in which the role of women was overlooked for very long.
It would, however, be unfair to simply sit back and expect government to empower women to take their rightful place in every area of society.
The seed of mutual respect germinates in the home. And there it has to be nourished until the fruit becomes an integral part of society. Something that has taken root in one’s heart cannot be taken away.
International Women’s Day aims to create an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements. That is all well and good, but there has to be more.
For South Africa, Women’s Day should be a celebration that not only recognises female achievements, but also women’s comprehensive role in creating a meaningful and healthy society.
It should be a time to reflect on creating an environment in which all women feel safe and cherished. No society can function without it.
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