Tshwane Talks has canvassed the views of its lady readers regarding Women’s Day commemorations and celebrations and what the day actually means to them and also what the way forward should be to get rid of women’s inferiority status and general abuse once and for all. Here are verbatim statements of their views.
1. DUDU SHABA – AZAPO HEAD OF GENDER AND WOMEN’S AFFAIRS.
Azapo is calling upon all women, men, churches, traditional leaders, civic organisations and interested parties to collaborate with us in ending gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide.
GBV and femicide are real and are a threat to society and they require all of us to be involved in putting a stop to them.
Despite all the efforts and laws that have been enacted, the situation is escalating on a daily basis and not improving at all.
We struggled to obtain freedom from the oppressive apartheid system only to find ourselves still remaining slaves under the neo colonialism system.
It is therefore our responsibility to ensure that we live in a violence-free society as studies have revealed that GBF and femicide on women, girls and LGBTQIA people has direct and indirect consequences that cause mental problems, sexual reproduction problems, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide, increased mortality rates.
GBV perpetuates cycles of abuse and undermines the well-being and safety of family members and the community.
We need to eliminate GBV and femicide throughout the society from the youngest right up to the eldest.
2.PAT MAMADUNA NDLELENI – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MADUNA NKABINDE FOUNDATION
Advancing women’s rights and combating gender-based violence (GBV) are essential steps towards a just society.
However, achieving these goals demands more than legal reforms; it requires a shift in how women support one another.
Ideally women should serve as pillars of strength; actively nurturing and uplifting one another.
Yet when women engage in undermining behaviour, they inadvertently reinforce the very inequalities that they seek to dismantle.
Genuine solidarity among women involves not only vocal advocacy but also tangible actions that promote mutual respect and empowerment.
By standing together and fostering an environment of genuine support women can more effectively challenge injustices and build a stronger, more equitable community.
3.SHATADI PHOSHOKO OF NELLMAPIUS
Women’s Day is a day for us to commemorate the giants who paved the way for many of us to enjoy the privileges we enjoy today through activism and fight against systemic inequality and oppression against women.
From me personally, the commemoration also presents an opportunity to reflect and celebrate.
In reflection I’m confronted with the said reality that women are still the face of poverty and primary recipients of violence.
Women are still sexualized and violated at workplaces.
But we also celebrate the many resistances moves women have made to succeed against all odds and we have more Black women in executive positions and there is also legislation that addresses inequality.
4.JACQUI UYS- MMC FOR FINANCE IN THE CITY OF TSHWANE
Women are the mobiliser of society and history has shown that we can influence decision-making; it is the mothers of our nation who can encourage the youth to participate in democracy and change the trajectory of our country.
We must step into our power and make history.