GEORGE NEWS - The Western Cape Local Government Community Development Workers department celebrated Women's Month on Tuesday 22 August at the Thusong centre in Thembalethu.

The month was celebrated under the theme 'Wathint'Abafazi, Wathint'Imbokodo' (you strike a woman you strike a rock). The event was attended by a number of women coming from different sectors in Thembalethu.

The guest speaker, Sharon Hendricks of iThemba Lobomi, encouraged women to stand up and fight for their rights. She said women must stand together and uplift each other in whatever way possible and work towards reaching top positions. In South Africa, 9 August is Women's Day and the month of August is National Women's Month.

This is an opportunity to celebrate women's achievements and the important role that women of all races and religions have played and continue to play in South African society. On 9 August 1956, more than 20 000 women from all walks of life united in a mass demonstration walking to the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Women dressed in traditional attire for the event.

Beadwork handcrafted by women was exhibited at the event.

They protested against the unjust pass laws enforced on women in South Africa. In remembrance of what South African women achieved on that day, 9 August has been declared as National Women's Day and is a public holiday in South Africa. Women's month is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on women's achievements, as well as the problems they have faced in the struggle to be free and the important role they continue to play in society. 

Apart from their traditional roles as mothers, wives and caregivers, statistics show that women are making great progress in business, politics, academic and economic careers.

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