Pretoria marks Women’s Day with calls to protect and uplift women
As South Africa commemorates Women’s Day, Pretoria residents share personal reflections on safety, celebration, and sisterhood – highlighting ongoing gender-based violence and the need for government to protect women and girls.
The residents of Pretoria are celebrating Women’s Day today and have shared some challenges and advice for women.
The insight is as South Africa annually celebrates Women’s Day on August 9, commemorating the historic day in 1956 when more than 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings in protest against the extension of pass laws to women.
Rekord hit the streets of Pretoria to hear from women about how they plan to celebrate the day, the challenges they face, and the advice they have for young girls.
Petunia Maubane said Women’s Day is a special day for women to celebrate, heal and connect.
“Nowadays, as women, I feel like we are not safe, more especially with the ongoing pandemic of gender-based violence and the killing of women and children.”
Nonhlanhla Skosana (22) reiterated that women, especially young girls, often feel unsafe.
“With the recent killings of women that have happened in the east of Pretoria, we fear for our lives. I think the government must take action and end this misery that we as women face. The government must also look into the issue of substance abuse, as it is claiming innocent lives.”
Men also helped commemorate the day.
“It’s important that we celebrate women and say thank you to them because if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be [here],” said 19-year-old Reuben Grobler from Val de Grace.
He shared how much he appreciates all women, saying, “I could never say it enough, but I hope all women know that we love and appreciate them,” he said.
Sipho Koloi shared the same sentiment, highlighting the need to protect women.
“Our women are struggling enough as it is; the least we can do as men is protect them at all costs,” he said.
He noted the current struggle of gender-based violence that women and children face.
“The day is a reminder to us about all the pain that women endure, but magically remain strong pillars of homes,” he said.
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