Student council speaking up against injustice
“The scourge of violence against women continues, and until we can stop the horrendous crimes perpetrated against women on a daily basis, all other advances made in the name of women’s rights will continue to feel hollow and incomplete.”
City of Joburg representatives joined the Women’s Month programme which provided student councillors with an opportunity to debate issues affecting women in society on August 18.
The student council was joined by the speaker of the council, Clr Vasco da Gama, the chief whip of the council, Clr Kevin Wax and other councillors.
“The student council has resolved at their previous council meeting to tackle head-on the many societal problems, including challenges faced by women. The student council’s Women’s Month programme was rounded off with the spectacular Joburg Theatre show, The Color Purple which also explores many challenges women face. The challenges include abuse, patriarchy and ultimately how they overcome these hurdles,” said the spokesperson of the speaker, Lillian Kolisang.
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Student mayor Tahir Tayob said it is important for women today to take up the baton from other great women such as Lillian Ngoyi, Raheema Moosa and Ruth First.
“We are quite privileged to have as guest speakers at our celebration, women employed within the city of Joburg with inspirational stories to share.
“These women include Natasha De Matos, a 2018 Mrs Africa finalist, Petra Smit who has a 4th dan in karate and 1st dan in krav maga, and last but not least Thusani Rubadiri who successfully completed summiting Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro,” said Tayob.
The junior speaker, Elizabeth McQuarrie, highlighted the impact of the stories of all the guest speakers. She said she is inspired by their remarkable life journeys and their astounding achievements.
She added that as a young woman, she was enlightened and motivated and ready to make a difference.
All female student councillors wore doeks (head scarfs) as a symbol of respect towards women and their fight for equality, safety and justice in the world.
Da Gama said the month of August in South Africa is usually spent reflecting on the achievements of various women.
“But even as we celebrate, there is one issue which plagues our nation and throws shadows over all that we achieve. The scourge of violence against women continues, and until we can stop the horrendous crimes perpetrated against women on a daily basis, all other advances made in the name of women’s rights will continue to feel hollow and incomplete,” he said.
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The student councillors raised as issues of concern the violence facing women. They said sex violations on women are some of the issues affecting women.
“They challenged stereotypes in society which discriminate against women, such as the system of patriarchy in our various cultures.”One female student councillor warned against the impact of forced societal gender categorisation. She said this is one major impediment to women developing to their full potential. “Once we break down these gender expectations, the road to equality will be a reality,” said Kolisang.
The idea behind the student council mock debates is to create a platform for students in Grades 10 and11 to work together throughout their two-year term to contribute their time and energy to the good of society.
