Hey Little Sis. If you were lacking some inspo to keep going recently, lemme let you in on some tea about some inspirational South African women who never gave up.
It’s no secret that SA women are known to be kicking ass and taking names, mos. From fighting against unfair rules to being leaders in science, business, and the arts! Today I want to highlight the women who led the way in the Women’s Day March decades ago, whose actions changed the country forever.
You know, back in the day all people didn't have the same rights as we do now - a tragedy. But, there were strong sisters who went against the odds and said ‘haibo!’ to the people in power - no matter the consequences.
I am talking about South African women who have been important in the rights of all South Africans.
Sis, do you know the history of Women’s Day, and why we celebrate it in SA?
It's not just a holiday, hun. On this day in 1956, over 20,000 women of different races marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the apartheid government’s pass laws. These laws forced black South Africans to carry passbooks, which restricted our movement and freedom (brother, eww).
The march was organised by the Federation of South African Women, and it was led by four brave women: Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn.
This march is important because it shows that women are strong and ready to fight for our rights.
Lilian Ngoyi s known as "the Mother of Black Resistance”. Lilian was a powerful anti-apartheid speaker and advocate for women's rights. She was the first woman elected to the ANC Executive Committee and served as President of the ANC Women’s League. An icon.
Helen Suzman created the Progressive Party. For 13 years, she was the ONLY white, female voice in parliament opposing apartheid legislation, making 885 speeches and posing 2262 questions - Yoh, you go girl!
Rahima Moosa’s bravery and commitment to justice made her a key figure in the fight against apartheid. Born in 1922, she became involved in politics through her work in trade unions and the African National Congress (ANC). She led the march while pregnant!
Sophia Williams-De Bruyn was the youngest of the four leaders who led the protest. Sophia was only 18 years old when Moghel was front and centre, representing. She has spent her life filling different positions in the ANC, advocating for women's rights and equality. She currently serves as a human resources manager and a commissioner at the Commission for Gender Equality.
These women opened doors for future generations to speak up! They made it very clear to those of us who followed them that our voices, actions, and determination matter - and that we have the power to change the world!
But the greatness didn't stop in the past, babes. Every day different women do great work in making sure we have our freedom and our voices have a safe space.
We recently saw girl power on fleek in the #MeToo movement that rocked the globe!
#MeToo is a social movement and awareness campaign that started in October 2017 against sexual abuse, sexual harassment and rape culture, in which women publicized their experiences of sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment that they experienced from men. It uses the hashtag #MeToo to encourage survivors of sexual harassment and assault to share their stories, raise awareness, and support one another through empathy, solidarity and strength in numbers.
In South Africa, the #MeToo movement has also inspired prominent South African voices (women with clout) to speak out.
World-class SA Presenter and businesswoman Bonang Matheba, Oscar-winning Terry Pheto, Ntsiki Mazwai and so many more SA queens have opened up about injustice in their industries and led the way for all women in SA to follow and stand up for themselves.
From the fearless women who led the Women’s Day March to those making strides in every field imaginable today, they've shown us that no challenge is too great - and that speaking up can make a difference in your own life, and in the lives of other sisters.
So, Little Sis, if you ever find yourself doubting your strength, remember the legacy of these phenomenal South African women who came before you. You are from a long line of warriors, babes.
Blogs
