All women have a warrior within
MY job as a sociologist and writer allows me to reflect on a number of issues that face humanity in general and South Africans in particular.
It also allows me to travel and meet and engage with people from various backgrounds. For every inner reflection, new expression is initiated. I think this has an impact on my writing process and output.
Being a woman in South Africa is probably one of the most challenging, beautiful, sad, bitter and sweet opportunities.
There are myriad reasons to celebrate women in South Africa, but we also grapple with violence that primarily affects women. There is much healing to do, much work to be done.
Women’s Day or Women’s Month means remembering the resolution and strength shown to us by the women in our history, those who trace our lineage with more courage than fear, and the rekindling of our own resolve to continue the fight for a better life for us all.
Women in South Africa are our greatest asset, the most resilient backbone of society.
My definition of success is doing what I love while having all the time for my loved ones.
One woman who has made a great impact on my life is my maternal grandmother, who, as a young widow in her 30s, raised two daughters and ran a business during a politically difficult era and within a patriarchal cultural network.
She shouldered her responsibilities and cites her trust in and friendship with God as the key to a successful life.
My belief about feminism is that the more we generate newer ways of defining what is important about creating equal work, social and political spaces for all, the closer we get to the best that society can be. And in that way we allow individuals of all genders the opportunity to reach their highest potential.
The greatest lesson I have learnt from a woman is to find the balance between patience, diplomacy and courage. Fear is imaginary.
Women in media are breaking stereotypes, writing truth to power and making their voices heard ever more with traditional forms of media as well as new social media. A new energy of words is being generated and new consciousness awakened.
Women who are strong are a force to be reckoned with. All women are strong. Just attack a child, a loved one, a favourite book or philosopher, or even a humanitarian course, and you will bring out the warrior woman. And if you love humanity, you will be proud to meet her.
Hassim is a sociologist and acclaimed author