A celebration fortified by the power of women
JOBURG – Ward councillor gives recognition to the women of Region B who have provided shelter or assistance in keeping the government shelters afloat.
Even in the midst of a global pandemic there is still reason to celebrate. During the month of August the country unites in recognition of the power of women.
According to Ward 98 councillor Beverly Weweje, Women’s Month was birthed on the shoulders of iconic woman such as Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn. It was the start of a movement which remains a constant reminder to us that the battle has not been won and remains an ongoing and daily battle. Willams-De Bruyn who led the march to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956, said her mother’s compassion for others helped her develop a sense of empathy. This stood out for Weweje, particularly during this period when the country and the world is facing an onslaught on the economy due to Covid-19 and the lockdown regulations. “Many have been robbed of the opportunity to provide for there families, but the women who I have seen rise up to extend a helping hand has been phenomenal. The women that I have seen rise up, stand and help in the midst of losing their employment and source of income has been a humbling experience.” She added that while empathy may be seen as a weakness, she had come to see it as a great strength.
Weweje gave recognition to the women in Region B who have provided shelter or assistance in keeping the government shelters afloat, whose empathy has put a roof over a displaced persons head and a plate of food for them to feast on. “To the women who have contributed to providing food parcels to the unemployed affected by Covid-19 regulations, your empathy allowed for the wading off of starvation, to the women who continue to shelter and up-skill both men and women, your passion and empathy is what builds nations and to the women who have extended their hand without the camera or public lenses, your empathy reaches beyond borders.”
She concluded with words of encouragement for all women, “As we commemorate Woman’s Month this year, may each step we take in the rest of the days, weeks and months continue to be filled with kindness, goodness, empathy and compassion. These are not signs of weakness, but of strength. May each step we take in the rest of the days, weeks and months continue to be filled with fighting for freedom, fairness and opportunity for all.”
