Women’s Day 2015
On August 9th, South Africans celebrate the achievements of the women of this country as we come together to advance women’s struggles for empowerment and rights to full equality.
On the 9th of August 1956, 20 000 women from all over the country made their way to the Union Building in Pretoria to protest against the extension of government regulations to African women having to carry pass books. Led by strong women of the time, Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Sophia Williams and Rahima Moosa, this was to date the biggest mass gathering of women ever held in South Africa.
Today the pass books are a thing of the past but we still celebrate the day each year in memory of the women’s resistance in South Africa. On National Women’s Day we celebrate and honour women and recognise the important role they play in society, communities, education and government.
WaThint’ aBafazi, waThint’ Imbokodo!
You strike a woman, you strike a rock!
Need something fun to do that will fill you up and make a difference? Head down to the “Flames and Dames” cook off at 5 Station Drive (off Umgeni Road) from 1pm to 6pm and enjoy some good food while helping a good cause. Last year’s “Flames and Dames” was a roaring success which saw festive braai fanatics raise R18 500 for the Open Door Crisis Centre in Pinetown. This year they will be turning up the heat by adding Zimele Women’s Organisation and Kerr House to the beneficiary list.
Zimele means “stand on your own feet” in isiZulu and the organisation has spearheaded social development and women’s empowerment projects in remote and impoverished areas throughout KZN. Kerr House is a women’s refuge which provides shelter for women and children in crisis. It provides accommodation and meals for up to 17 mothers and children, as well as counseling and rehabilitation plans. The Open Door Crisis Centre is dedicated to helping victims of abuse, violence, those in conflict or dealing with addiction, HIV/Aids, unwanted pregnancies – or anyone who has been traumatised in any way.
Oh, and gents – you have to go dressed as a dame – it is Women’s Day after all, so what’s wrong with a little drag on a Sunday afternoon!