Women’s role as change agents
THE Democracy Development Program (DDP) hosted a Women in Leadership and Development conference at the Elangeni Hotel yesterday. The conference was aimed at promoting women as change agents for sustainable development in the post-covid-19 era.
Women from all walks of life gathered to discuss social issues that they faced daily. The conference was also aimed at getting civil society organisations involved in empowering women and the youth. Courageous and uncomfortable conversations were conducted during the gathering.
The ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) provincial secretary, Nonhlanhla Gabela, who also attended the conference, emphasised the importance of independence in women, young or old.
Gabela spoke about how she was abused by her ex-husband but could not leave the marriage.
She said it was through a gender summit like this that her whole life changed and she found the courage to leave the abusive marriage.
“People think that such gathering bear no fruits, but I am a living example of the fact that they work, such engagements offer growth and they remind us to put on our crowns because we are born leaders,” she said.
She added that women needed to be encouraged and know that they could take up space everywhere, be it in politics, sports and engineering.
Zamatshali Dlamini of Zatho Consultations wished that boys were also taught how to be feminists, so that they could be able to treat women better.
“We need to be intentional in everything we do. Masculinity needs
to be redeemed. We need to hold hands and fight the patriarchy to make this world a better place. It also starts with us teaching our sons from a young age,” said Dlamini
Phakamile Mazibuko, of the Phakamile Mazibuko Foundation, which helps empower the youth in all places, especially in the rural areas
– which are usually neglected –said it was joyful being around phenomenal women.
Mazibuko said the downfall of women today was that they had little confidence in themselves. She said women did not believe that they could do more, whereas they were the future.
“Women need to be more courageous
and know that they can go far. We are often told that we cannot work together but look at how united we are. We can go far only if we poured into each other,” she said.
Nonjabulo Langa, 18, who is in Grade 11 said being around adult women who achieved a lot was inspiring to her. She said the conference was
an eye opener for her.
“What I took most from this was that you do not need a man to achieve things. You can get just as far on your own. I am empowered by hearing what everyone has achieved and I am going to work hard for that to be me one day,” said Langa.