Let women be free and safe

It has been 57 years since 20 000 women fearlessly marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 9 August 1956 to protest against the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act (pass law) of 1950.

They were lead by struggle stalwarts Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn.

They stood outside silently for 30 minutes, many with their children on their backs, singing struggle songs, including the song: Wathint’ Umfazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo (you strike a woman, you strike a rock).

The pass law dictated where people should live or work, and where their children could go to school, based on the colour of their skin.

As we acknowledge the role that women played in the struggle for justice, human rights and dignity, it is hard to ignore the moral decay that has mangled the society and continues to dictate how women are treated.

In a democratic South Africa, women are under threat from a different form of oppression: they’re raped, physically and emotionally abused, and treated unfairly at workplaces. News headlines tell a tale of a woman who was raped or killed by a man almost daily.

In some instances, the rapists are prominent members of society. The victims are accused of being part of a smear campaign or described as gold-diggers. The perpetrators are portrayed as victims. These are some of the oppressions that women still face.

I challenge men to celebrate this day by uniting against violence against women – in the same manner women marched in 1956, or the ANC’s march to the Goodman Gallery against The Spear painting in 2012.

I challenge men to join hands and form a shield around their mothers, sisters, aunts and girlfriends against all forms of discrimination.

They must create an environment conducive for young women to move freely and wear what they want without fear of being insulted or raped.

Women must be who they want to be and be treated as equal to men. They must aspire to be presidents and CEOs without being discouraged or ridiculed.

An environment must be created where young girls enjoy their adolescence with no grown men taking advantage over their innocence.

Without threats and ills, National Women’s Day would be a more meaningful and marvelous ocassion to celebrate.

Women’s Day should be a celebration of a country in which men are protectors and not abusers, fathers rather than molesters, and husbands instead of wife-beaters.

Let’s all strive for that day where we unashamedly honour women and create a legacy for generations to come.