21 years into democracy, women still suffer
‘They have struggled, sacrificed a lot for this country to be where it is now, change is needed soon’
WOMEN are phenomenal and the strength of society.
Those were the sentiments of women who celebrated Women’s Day at the Langa Methodist Church yesterday.
They told the Cape Times that women are the pillars of society and must be appreciated.
Nomzekelo Siboya, 50, said a lot of women are still struggling 21 years into democracy.
“The government and civil society are doing everything they can to celebrate and recognise women – but there are still too many who are suffering and we need to put a stop to that,” said Siboya.
“Women have struggled and sacrificed a lot for this country to be where it is now, and change is needed very soon to uplift those who are suffering.”
Nobesuthu Sigam, 43, said Women’s Day was not only about buying and giving flowers to women, but about appreciating the existence of them throughout the year.
“Every day should Women’s Day,” she said.
Sigam said she is teaching her eight-year-old son to grow up appreciating women.
“He knows that women are not meant to be in the kitchen as the society makes us believe.
“He does house chores and wash the dishes.”
Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane joined about 500 congregates at the Methodist Church in Langa yesterday to celebrate Women’s Day.
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The service was to honour the more than 20 000 women who marched on the Union Buildings in Pretoria on August 9, 1956 to protest the broadening of pass laws by the apartheid government.
Mokonyane has donated R10 000 to the church to help with women in need.
Speaking to church members, Mokonyane reflected the achievements of women over the last 21 years of democracy and on the challenges they face in their daily lives.
Mokonyane said the 20 000 women recorded at the Union Buildings were the ones that were at the scene.
But there were tens
of thousands of others on the streets, in railways stations and public transport interchanges who were not reported on.
“It is not only those who are ministers that must be celebrated, but poor women as well.
“Those who are homeless and in need must be celebrated too,” Mokonyane told the gathering.
She said women needed to be appreciated because when they are not, they end up engaging in activities that they regret.
“Women end up selling their bodies because they want to survive.
“There is a lot that needs to be done.
“Women stood up and said enough is enough.
“What is important about those women who marched about 60 years ago was that they were united.”