‘Every day should be Women’s Day’

POLOKWANE – With the last week of Women’s Month celebrated this week, Review speaks to some of the women in the city about their views on this special month.

Phoebé Cronjé says Women’s Month is about saluting each and every kind of woman. “Although men may be reluctant to admit it, they need us. No one has the ability to multi-task like us, sorting out the kids, keeping the house in order, feeding the pets, buying the groceries, and making that important dentist appointment. So to all the beautiful women out there who envy men: don’t,” she advises.

Sonja Hattingh says being a mother is what womanhood is all about. “Having the chance of being there for the young women of tomorrow is what celebrating women is all about. Women need to be able to look after themselves and learn to stand together,” she says.

Edna Pearson says Women’s Month is there to remind everyone about the meaning of being a woman. She says there are too many women who are not aware of their rights, and because of this, they are often victimised. “Women need to be taught about their rights and Women’s Month should be dedicated to creating awareness everywhere,” she says.

Martha Mailula says every day should be Women’s Day as there are women who make sacrifices for others, both in their professional and personal lives.

Priscilla Hlaraka believes that Women’s Month should be celebrated by government departments like social development, and that the celebration should be taken to women in rural areas. “Many women in these areas are not aware of when they can say no and when they are allowed to stand up for themselves. Government is also not always aware of the struggle these women have on a daily basis, so by moving celebrations like Women’s Day to these areas, government can make a difference,” she says.

Madelein Swanepoel is a young expectant mother. She says being a woman is all about the miracle of being able to bring a life into the world, and it is a woman’s responsibility to teach their children the meaning of the value of every person. “Men and women are equal and the need to stand together and make a good life for their children. Women’s Month is for women to learn to stand together and help each other no matter where they come from,” she says.

Sansurita Potgieter says being a woman is all about being spoiled, especially on days like Women’s Day. “Simply enjoy the treats, and know that you are loved,” she says.

Vanessa Venter believes that Women’s Month can be celebrated more and that more awareness should be raised when it comes to the different types of abuse that women suffer, not only at the hands of men, but their children as well. “There ought to be less reports of women falling victim and more reports of women overcoming every obstacle in life. That would be the ultimate celebration of women, and we should all strive to get there,” she says.