Amongst other activities, they handed out toys to promote fine motor co-ordination.

This was their way of paying homage to the women of our nation.

“Whatever issues affect women in general, women with disabilities are also affected, be it violence, lack of employment, discrimination, lack of access to education, housing and opportunities, often affected far more profoundly,” said Casual Day project leader Celeste Vinassa.

“It is therefore important for us at Casual Day to raise awareness of the triumphs and stories of survival of women with disabilities.

“Casual Day is a huge community of people united to create a barrier-free society where all women are afforded respect and dignity.”
Casual Day is South Africa’s most successful fundraising project for persons with disabilities.

The amount raised for last year was R24.8-million.

Sponsored by The Edcon Group, Casual Day is the flagship project of the National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa (NCPPDSA), which this year celebrates 75 years of service to the community of persons with disabilities.

Casual Day takes place on Friday, September 5, and this year’s theme is Bring out the Bling.

“Celebrating Women’s Month for me is an endorsement of the incredible potential that women have to make a difference in South Africa,” said Casual Day ambassador Nicole Laxton, who has Absence Epilepsy.

“As a Casual Day ambassador and young woman, I have chosen to create awareness for children living with disabilities.

“I believe it’s important for me to make a contribution to society and to reach out to people in my community to try to make a positive difference wherever I can.

“Women in South Africa have incredible talent and if collectively pooled we can accomplish great success not only in our professional lives but on a personal level as well.”

Casual Day ambassador Kashveera Chanderjith is the first profoundly deaf chartered accountant in South Africa.

She is audit manager at Anglo American and is one of Accountancy SA’s 15 women representing transformation.

Chanderjith is a winner of a 2013 Siyabakhumbula Tributes Award for Business Excellence 2013 (Government & Civilian Award).

“Woman’s day in South Africa unites the nation in striving for the upliftment and eradication of social barriers and to acknowledge and appreciate the role of woman in our everyday society,” she said.

“A woman is an embodiment of selflessness, fortitude and of incredible courage who has as her ethos great love to share with humanity at large.

“As a woman with a disability who aspires for greatness, the ability to allow innovation to transform and build inclusiveness in our modern day society is possible because of the multifaceted approach a woman has to all circumstances and the positivity she will continue to radiate.”

The beneficiaries of Casual Day are National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in SA, South African National Council for the Blind, South African Federation for Mental Health, Deaf Federation of South Africa, Autism South Africa, Down Syndrome South Africa, National Association for Persons with Cerebral Palsy, South African National Deaf Association, National Institute for the Deaf, Alzheimer’s South Africa, South African Disability Alliance, QuadPara Association of South Africa.

Stickers are available from Edgars, Jet, JetMart, Boardmans, CNA, Red Square and Legit, Absa outlets, Game and DionWired stores, and Shoprite and Checkers stores.

The Casual Day national office can be contacted on 011 609 7006.