Alexandra ECD women reflect on the march of 1956
Stepping away from their tireless work of nurturing young minds, women from Alexandra’s early childhood development centres gathered at Tiny Tots Day Care for a Women’s Day celebration filled with reflection and empowerment.
Away from their daily work of caring for children, women from early childhood development (ECD) centres in Alexandra gathered to celebrate Women’s Day, reflecting on the march of 1956 and the collective power of women in the face of adversity.
Read more: The importance of ECD Education
Mary Rametsi, president of the Alexandra ECD Association, said the event, hosted at the Tiny Tots Day Care Centre on August 8, served as a platform to enlighten women about the historic 1956 women’s march against the oppressive pass laws. “The main aim was to inform each other about the history of the day, highlighting the roles of formidable women, like Winne Mandela [who was part of the later 1958 anti-pass movement], and Lillian Ngoyi, who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 against the oppressive pass laws. So, we wanted to get the message across that, as women, we ought to tackle our challenges head-on.”
Drawing inspiration from the march, the ECD women used the occasion to underscore the importance of unity in addressing their current challenges.
Rametsi emphasised the importance of collaboration and mutual support among ECD women. “We have to help each other with ideas that will help each and every one of us grow in our businesses. There are a lot of challenges that we encounter in our businesses. Sometimes we work without payments, compelled by love and the passion we have for our work.”
Thami Mahlwele, from Nono’s Day Care Centre, said the celebration served as a platform to empower each other. “This is to remind us that, through it all, we, as women in the ECD space, should soldier on with the strength that we have and continue doing the good work we do.”
For other attendees, like Martha Makhafola from Ithuteng Day Care, the day offered them a needed moment of respite – an opportunity to pause and recharge. “I usually work from Monday to Monday, but today, even my spirit is delighted. We met with others and we demonstrated our love and support for each other.”
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