Women's Day 2024

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address of the National Women’s Day commemoration on Friday at the Denis Nel Stadium in Pofadder, Northern Cape.

The President will address the national commemoration of Women's Day under the theme: "Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women’s Development"

PICTURE: GovernmentZA

Friday marks the 68th anniversary of Women’s Day. This day reflects the historic Women's March of 1956, where they descended on Pretoria for a march to the Union Buildings to protest against oppressive pass laws.

Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, says Women’s Month is an opportunity to pay tribute to the role played by women in the decades of struggle against all forms of discrimination, subordination and exploitation.

“We also commemorate Women’s Month in order to celebrate how far we have come; the journeys traversed and victories attained by the women of our country in the three decades of our democracy.’’

In a joint statement from Parliament’s Presiding Officers, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, asked South Africans to join in commemorating this day.

“Women’s Day presents us with an opportunity for deeper reflection on the country’s progress over the last 30 years of democracy towards greater gender equity and inclusivity. The democratic dividend has been felt by many as our women have become makers of history as leaders in government, parliament and legislatures, the judiciary, and the private sector. Notably, among them is Justice Mandisa Maya, the first woman appointed as Chief Justice in the country. We welcome and applaud this historic milestone.”

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the 1954 Women’s Charter by the founding conference of the Federation of South African Women (FSAW). The Charter called for, among other things, the enfranchisement of men and women of all races; equal opportunities in employment; equal pay for equal work; equal rights concerning property, marriage, and children; and the removal of all laws and customs that denied women such equality.

Western Cape Provincial Community Police Board commemorated Women’s Day and Women’s Month by honoring the Strength of Women Amidst the Ongoing Struggle Against Gender-Based Violence.

South Africa, and particularly the Western Cape, continues to grapple with alarmingly high levels of GBV. This is starkly evident in areas like Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Zwelihle in Hermanus, and Mbekweni in Paarl, where women live in fear of violence that often occurs in the very places they should feel safest—their homes and communities.

‘’We reflect on the dual reality faced by women in our communities. While we celebrate the incredible courage and resilience of women who actively work to create safer neighborhoods, we must also confront the heartbreaking reality that too many women have become part of the grim statistics of gender-based violence (GBV),’’ said Fransina Lucas, Western Cape CPF chairperson.

‘’We remember and honor the women who have tragically lost their lives to this violence. Gufata "Guffy" Marikana from Gugulethu was a beacon of hope and leadership in her community, yet her life was cruelly taken by those who sought to silence her. Anele Hoyana, a vibrant and promising woman, met a brutal end that shocked us all. Uyinene Mrwetyana’s murder sent waves of sorrow and outrage across the nation, highlighting the pervasive threat women face. Aneline Booysen’s tragic story, along with the losses of Siphokazi Booi and Chantel Martin, serves as a somber reminder of the violence that continues to claim the lives of our mothers, daughters, and sisters.’’

‘’These women, and many others like them, have become painful symbols of the ongoing struggle against GBV in our province. Their stories are not just statistics; they are a call to action for all of us to do more to protect the women in our communities. Despite this, there are countless women who refuse to be cowed by fear. These are the women who stand up, who take action, and who work tirelessly to make their communities safer. We celebrate these brave individuals who are part of the Community in Blue, the Neighbourhood Watch (NHW), the South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police, and other community safety initiatives. Their involvement is crucial in the fight against crime and violence, and their efforts provide a glimmer of hope in the face of overwhelming odds,’’ she added.

 

Done By: Sihle Jezile