Dear Women, Happy Women’s Day

In South Africa, August is a month dedicated to the celebration of women in commemoration of the 1956 Queens who paved the way for us. During this month, the events calendar is usually painted with feminine touches and strokes of empowerment gatherings across the country. 

Why are these imbizos (meetings in isiZulu) important? Because even after decades of fighting for women to be acknowledged and seem as equally capable citizens, their rights remain subdued by the patriarchal system we were born into. A situation not unique to South Africa.

When you look at the history of the Women’s Rights Movement, the issues women have been trying to address for decades, remain the same ones we are faced with today. Yes, there’s been progress but the systemic challenges persist in all aspects: at home, in the workplace, in business, in politics and in society as a whole.

Feministic much? Yes. Like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said, “we should ALL be feminists” But to this day, you still find people with a distorted understanding of what feminism is and what it stands for.

Feminism isn’t about being pro-women to bash, undermine or sideline men. Feminism is about equality and equity - a woman’s space in society should not be limited, defined or controlled by a narrative women didn’t participate in. The absence of this is what has led to the governments’ disempowering actions and disenfranchisement of women’s rights.

Women’s rights are human rights. Period.

With the progression of the Women’s Rights Movement around the world, we’ve witnessed the power that transcends generations when women are empowered. A notable example is The 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action which has, for 30 years, advocated for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls worldwide. The UN Women organisation is also making strides towards the gender equality agenda, 2025 marks their 15th anniversary.

It is against this backdrop that during this month of August, I will profile four women in my circle who are breaking out of societal moulds.

Meet them here:

I know their journeys will inspire you and unearth what’s been burrowed deep within your soul. In unique ways, they’ve done that for me.

Keep your eyes peeled for the first profile.