Woman’s Day and what it means to our community
Women in our community are strong, industrious, and caring and do the 1956 ambassadors of progress proud.
August 9, marks Women’s Day in South Africa. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the sacrifice 20 000 women made in 1956 when they marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest the use of passbooks.
Northcliff Melville Times spoke to women in our community about their thoughts on empowerment and progress. This is what they had to say.
Barbara Macdonald is a vibrant community activist and said, “Women’s Day is a day to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women in all spheres of life – business, political, personal – particularly with regard to eliminating gender bias and achieving gender equality.”
Genevieve Sherman, Ward 69 councillor said her favourite quote is, ‘I’m not a wounded woman of my past, I’m a warrior woman of God moving into my destiny’.
“The fact is that I’ve conquered many adversities, from apartheid and now the current reverse racism imposed upon us by the current government. I’m proud to say I’m still standing strong because I love my fellow human beings, more than I hate the injustices forced upon us.”
Roshnie Moonsammy, Westdene resident: “Every day I try to look at life and be grateful. I feel immensely grateful for what I have and what I can do to improve the lives of my family, friends and the wider community. The ability to make a difference makes me feel empowered. The ability to curate cultural festivals and programmes that impact the lives of the audience and the artist makes me feel empowered. The ability to assist where possible – be it for extra tuition or providing educational books makes me feel empowered as I am making a difference in someone’s life and future. To know that we have a Constitution that is humane and fair and we all have a right to fight for justice in the face of extreme inequality, makes me feel empowered. I exercise my right believe me. Although sometimes life can be daunting, my 96-year-old warrior mum empowers me to do more and be a better me.”
Nicolene Jonker, Ward 88 councillor: “I believe every woman is strong, capable, and deserving of success. Embrace your power, pursue your dreams, and inspire others with determination. You can make a positive impact in the world. Keep shining brightly as the empowered woman you are!”
Some advice on how she gets the most out of life, which she hopes might inspire someone who needs it
- Set and achieve personal goals to accomplish what you want
- Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you
- Make decisions that align with your values and principles
- Face and overcome obstacles
- Remember that empowerment is a personal journey, and what makes you feel empowered may vary over time
- Trust yourself and embrace your strengths as you continue to grow and evolve as an empowered woman.
Annelize Tichauer, Linden CPF chairperson: “Real empowerment for me is that I can work with a team of strong ladies of CPF, Victim Support and CIB (Community in Blue). Together, we have the ability to make a real difference in our community, through one small act of kindness at a time – be it holding a victim’s hand, informing neighbours how to keep safe, or actively calling in suspicious behaviour.”
Beverley Jacobs, Ward 98 councillor: “My faith is the core of my being and therefore the source of my empowerment, even though both smooth and rocky terrain may come and I may stumble and fall. It is not the fall that defines a person, rather the art of getting up again. This enables you to be the change that you need. Also, remember the change that we can bring. Ultimately that is our blueprint.”
Bridget van Oerle, community activist and public relations guru: “Coming from a family of strong empowered and fearless women, we grew up with that being our influence and I raise my daughter the same way.
“I have been a business owner for nearly 28 years and often women that are empowered, independent and strong are labelled as aggressive. But as empowered confident women we have the ability to stand up and call out what is wrong in many spheres, fight for inequality and in turn pass the baton of empowerment to other young women.
“Being empowered means being able to empower other young women and be an example that you do not need to depend on other people – you can do it yourself.
“I am grateful every day that I am my own boss not only in work, but that I am comfortable in my independence of being able to make my own choices and decide what I want to do and how I do it. Empowerment is being able to stand up against the proverbial patriarchy we still find so much of.”
Chantelle Fourie-Shawe, Ward 86 councillor: “I feel empowered by many things and often by my own resolve, but there is indeed one person that needs special mention – my husband. He has been my rock both when I needed more support as a mother and even as a wife. To be given a life partner who you can trust with your being is an honour and privilege that has empowered me for close to a decade.”
Lizette Höll, Roosevelt High School teacher: “Empowerment means being an independent woman. It means I do not have to worry about someone who will provide for me. It also means I am proud of who I am and who I have become.”
Related article:
Women in the workplace: Why equal opportunities are no longer enough
