About #Women’sDay
As we focus on Women's Day, it is noticeable how many incidents of violence and abuse have been perpetrated against women in 2017.
National Women’s Day on 9 August is one of several public holidays in South Africa, but why do we celebrate it?
First and foremost, the country commemorates Women’s Month throughout August.
The South African government has this to say about Women’s Month: “Women’s Month takes place against a backdrop of an increase in the levels of violence and brutality against women and children in our society.”
Just before his keynote address at Galeshewe, Kimberley in the Northern Cape, President Jacob Zuma said, “We are faced with increased levels of violence and brutality against women and children in our society. Since the start of this year, a number of incidents of violence and abuse on women have made headlines. Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on these challenges and together commit to finding lasting solutions.”
Regarding 2017 National Women’s Day celebrations specifically, government says, “Our aim is to pay tribute to women and their role in the liberation struggle. This year’s celebration coincides with the centenary of struggle icon Oliver Reginald Tambo. This year also marks the 61st anniversary of the Women’s March to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. On that day, up to 20 000 women of all races, classes and religious persuasions protested against the extension of the Pass Laws. The march was a turning point in the role of women in the struggle for freedom and our society at large.”
Visit the government’s official website at https://www.gov.za/womens-month for more information about Women’s Month and Women’s Day, and let the Herald know how you, the women of Randfontein, will be celebrating the occasion by emailing us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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