Women’s Day: Watch local women in business offer advice on overcoming obstacles, speak about their inspirational journey
They highlighted their achievements in their respective small businesses, the strength to stand up for themselves even when the odds were stacked against them, and the importance of empowering young women to break the cycle of poverty.
August 9 marks National Women’s Day and South Africans across the country used this day to come together to advocate for gender equality and to honour the brave women who took part in the historic 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings.
Such women fought against apartheid and the pass laws, as well as for the freedom that South African women enjoy today.
As the country marked the significant day, dozens of women gathered at an exclusive market, held at The Central Caffeine in Lilianton, organised for women in business to celebrate the day.
An opportunity was offered for women to promote their small businesses, sell their products and exchange business ideas.
During the event packed with purple outfits and other items, a colour often associated with women’s rights, the women acknowledged the tremendous progress made towards gender equality and the advancement of women’s rights in the country.
They reflected on the financial constraints and numerous obstacles they have overcome.
They also highlighted their achievements in their respective small businesses, and the strength to stand up for themselves even when the odds were stacked against them.
They spoke about the importance of empowering women in all aspects of life and the important role women play in uplifting their families and communities by empowering young women to break the cycle of poverty.
Stand on your own two feet
Event organiser Chanre’ Williams:
Chanre’ said they invited different women vendors to use the platform to showcase their businesses, share ideas and celebrate their achievements.
“Woman’s Day means that as a woman in the family, in business and work place I’m empowered. We are now living in an era that empowers women and we are not oppressed anymore. We can actually rise and shine and do our best in whatever we want to do.
“As a country, I think women are now more empowered than ever before. We no longer have to hide behind men or husbands, or behind parents, We can actually stand up for ourselves and excel.
“My advice to youngsters out there is that there is hope for you. In this economy and this country you as a woman are strong and powerful. You are brave so go there and shine.”
Rababaletswe Setloboko from Pretoria
A teacher by profession, Setloboko, who sells self-made cocktails and hot-tails, said: “For me, Women’s Day commemorates what other women have done for us to allow us to enjoy the pleasures today. Can you imagine back in the days when women were not even allowed to have a bank account?
“So thank you to all the women who took up arms to fight for equality. We recognise and appreciate the strides you have made to improve women’s lives.
“In my profession I always encourage the young girls, regardless of their gender, to strive for what they want to do in life. Just because you are a woman it doesn’t mean that you can’t do it; we can do anything and everything.
“We are moving in the right direction to dismantle gender inequality. We have introduced a number of programmes aimed at empowering women. I’m also very happy that today we were given the opportunity to showcase what we sell as women. I’m also inspired to see more women standing up for themselves.”
Marinda Kruger
A proud owner of a fashion boutique, called Jea Handcraft Jewellery and Boutique, Kruger said: “I’m here today in Boksburg to celebrate Woman’s Day. As a woman in business, I inspire my daughter and other women to be strong, to do their own things, and stand on their own two feet.
“It’s encouraging to see a lot of women working hard to support themselves and their families.
“I drew all the inspiration to stand on my own feet from my mother, who was a strong woman in the financial sector. She raised me and my two sisters on her own. Don’t lose hope, close your eyes and pray for tomorrow is a new day.”
Tilla Enslin of Kempton Park
Enslin, a senior payroll administrator, said: “I feel very fortunate to be a woman, especially to have a day like this where all the women can get together and remind the world that both men and women must be treated equally and have equal say.
“I feel good to see that our country is moving in the right direction because everybody is equal. We (women) are participating in all aspects of life including being part of businesses, and our children will grow up and be equal in everything.
“I just want to say thank you for the opportunity to empower women today.
“My message to all the women, and the young girls in particular, is to lift your head up, to grow strong and to do what you can do. Go for it.”
Enifa Sigauque of Kempon Park
Sigauque said: “It feels good to be a woman as we are celebrating Women’s Day today. I want to appreciate all the women around the world for standing up for themselves and trying to do something for themselves so that they won’t feel like they are dependent on someone.
“As I’m here today promoting my small business, I’m happy to be a woman. My advice to young women in particular is that you don’t have to lose hope as long as there is life. You can still do something to support yourself without depending on someone else.”
Lalita Basdew of Centurion
Basdew said: “I want to point out that a woman is very important because she is the backbone of the family. She holds the family together and plays a very important role to help her children grow up to become good leaders. Thank you. I love you all.”
Lebohang Mokake from Alberton
Mokake said: “I came here because it’s Woman’s Day and I want to support other women.
“I also run my own small business and would like to encourage other women to start their own business, no matter how small it is.
“I think the country has made strides in empowering women, but there is still room for improvement because there are some people who are still doing really bad things when it comes to discriminating against women.
“My message to fellow women and men is don’t be afraid to start small. But you can start with something small that will not require you to invest a lot of money and grow from it.
“You can sell fat cakes, fruits and vegetables, and even sweets on the street. Who knows, those sweets can grow into something big, like running a big grocery shop.
“Everything starts small. Just keep on hoping that things are going to turn out for the good because you are special. There is no other person like you.
“You are beautiful and you don’t have to suffer for beauty because you were born beautiful.”
Elize McBowles of Comet
McBowles, who was also at the event to promote her business and celebrate women’s achievement, said: “I’m not a talker I’m a doer. And I always believe in doing things for myself.”
Ntombenhle Nyoni of Germiston
Nyoni, the owner of Still Flame Candles, said: “You can get up and do something because for me unemployment was the birth of my small business.
“I learned you don’t have to wait to be employed. You can create. We need to look for opportunities for ourselves. You can never depend on anybody else.
“They always say there is light at the end of the tunnel. It may be dark today, but it will be bright someday. You just need to get up and do something with your life.”
Annecke and her daughter Vaylen
Annecke, who with her daughter Vaylen, started a business called Bubble in a Cup, said: “I wanted to teach my daughter to be independent and to look at starting her own business someday. I want to ensure that she will be skilled enough to look after herself and not be dependent on someone else.
“It’s important to train our children to become ready for the future. To all the girls, never give up. If there is a will, there is a way, just believe in yourself. I think the country is doing enough to empower women. The times have changed and it’s up to us to use those opportunities.”
Vaylen (14) said: “I always tell my peers at school about the work that I’m doing with my mum and it feels like an opportunity for me. it makes me feel independent. Just don’t give up, there is always something out there, if it’s not a plan A, it’s a plan B and if it’s not a plan B, it’s a plan C.”
Also Read: Various events hosted for Women’s Day
