Power to women through strength and resilience

Gallery Video

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEOS - Womanhood with all its wonderful facets and many challenges was celebrated by officials and politicians of the Garden Route District Municipality on Monday 1 August, in the parking area of the municipality.

Heart-warming speeches, an incredible performance by the GRDM choir and the forming of a human chain in three concentric circles made this hour-long event a special day to remember.

This year National Women's Day (9 August) and Women's Month will be celebrated under the theme "Women's Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment: Building Back Better for Women's Improved Resilience".

Words of wisdom

"Be yourself, live your life and make sure you have enough me-time," said Councillor Iona Kritzinger, as introduction to the morning's programme. Chief internal auditor Pamela Lufele urged women to follow the Bible's definition of being a woman: "God has given every woman a place of honour. Find yourselves and recognise your worth."

Deputy Mayor Gert van Niekerk said the accolades for women were captured in the Book of Romans some 4 000 years ago.

"Women have proved themselves to be leaders in all spheres of live - from running a household to heading a company in the corporate world. The universe cannot do without women. They are patient, resilient and strong."

PHOTO GALLERY: Women celebrated at Garden Route District Municipality

Speaker of the Garden Route Council Georlene Wolmarans said the municipality is recommitting to focusing its efforts on resolving issues faced by women and raising awareness around gender equality.

"This month we also salute the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the requirement for women to carry passbooks as part of pass laws.

"These brave women of all backgrounds, races and ages, from every corner of South Africa, selflessly stood together in unity, singing the song, among others, titled When you strike a woman, you strike a rock," she said.

"Those who know me, know that I have a zero tolerance approach towards abuse in all its ugly faces. We must continue to build on their fearlessness and courage to turn around this persistent issue of women struggling for equality."

VIDEO: Garden Route District Municipality Choir performs

VIDEO: Human chain for Woman's Month

Full speech by Alderlady Georlene Wolmarans:

This year National Women’s Day and Women’s Month will be celebrated under the theme: “Women’s Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment: Building Back Better for Women’s Improved Resilience".

Women’s Month is all about putting a spotlight on the challenges that women still face as well as celebrating the success of women in all spheres of life.

Today marking the first of August, we recommit ourselves as a District Municipality to focus our efforts towards resolving issues faced by women and raise awareness around gender equality. This month we also salute the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the requirement for women to carry passbooks as part of pass laws.

These brave women of all backgrounds, races and ages, from every corner of South Africa, selflessly stood together in unity, singing the song, among others, titled When you strike a woman, you strike a rock.

Those who know me, know that I have a zero tolerance approach towards abuse in all its ugly faces. We must continue to build on their fearlessness and courage to turn around this persistent issue of women struggling for equality.

To ensure that our efforts are a success, we must continuously work hand in hand with strategic stakeholders. Internally, my office and Corporate Services Department in particular, coordinate several initiatives throughout the year to empower women with the knowledge and skills they need to bring about change.

We want to encourage women and victims of gender-based violence to be courageous; to take a stand; show strength, and make their voices heard. In doing so, they will take control and be of motivation for those who lost their voices and dignity.

Women are like glue to their families, but still face abuse in today’s life; emotionally, physically and financially.

Together we can fight women and child abuse. We must not normalise harassment of women. We want a society free from any sort of violence targeted at women, young girls and the LGBTIQ plus community.

While we as GRDM form the human chain after the programme, let’s think of the women and children that have lost their lives due to brutal attacks, let’s think about the women and children in our lives, let’s think of ways we as individuals can make a change in their lives, let’s show our solidarity towards creating a country free from gender inequality. Every single effort will make a difference, no matter how small.

Landiswa Ntango and Nadia Boumeester joined the human chain in front of Garden Route District Municipality in York Street. Photos: Michelle Pienaar