The month of August has been dear to South Africa since 1956. On 9 August 1956, nearly 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against legislation aimed at tightening the apartheid government’s control over the movement of black women in urban areas.

 

We commemorate this month to appreciate the efforts made by women like Amina Cachalia, Lillian Ngoyi, Ray Simons and Helen Joseph who represented the fight for equality of all women regardless of race, colour or creed. The celebration of women has been an international effort. While 8 March is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women, it is also a day that marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality. Throughout history, women have fought courageously and tirelessly to assert themselves as individuals and experts in their field, something most men have had the luxury of taking for granted. Groundbreaking designers, space explorers, pilots, political activists and feminists, monarchs and leaders: there is something these inspirational women all have in common—they are all warriors and continue to inspire us in our modern lives. Kaci Diane once said: ‘I love the person I’ve become because I fought to become her.’

 

Below are tributes to just a handful of women who continue to inspire us to stand not only for ourselves but for all women.

 

 

Inspired by Althea Gibson

by Yanga Malotana, Department of Political Sciences

 

Before the likes of the Williams sisters and newcomer Cori Gauff, there was Althea Gibson. She was the first black person to win a Grand Slam, which she did at the French Open in 1956. She celebrated her first Wimbledon win in 1958. Althea had played in many British tennis tournaments, but she did not turn professional until she had won Wimbledon and the US open—twice! Serena Williams has even cited her as an inspiration for her own success: ‘Althea Gibson paved the way for all women of colour in sport. She won Wimbledon in 1958 and I have held that same plate. Thank you, Althea.’ Gibson has been an important pioneer for tennis.

 

She faced many challenges and had limited resources. Besides being black, she was a woman, financially unstable and had no professional organisations standing with her. This was a woman who was born to sharecroppers on the cotton fields of South Carolina in 1927, and 31 years later she was handed the Wimbledon championship trophy by the Queen of England. Gibson also became the first black member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association—another first in another sport. She is an amazing role model for young people, particularly young women and people of colour. Gibson has faced many barriers, but she did not let them hold her back. She found ways to overcome them. Gibson has inspired me to appreciate the efforts she went through to ensure the representation of black women in sport. Gibson’s life has been an embodiment of strength, excellence, integrity and discipline, all of which have been values for success in my life.

 

Inspired by Amal Clooney

by Tyesha Pillay, Department of Political Sciences

 

Sonia Sotomayor once stated that ‘a role model in the flesh provides more than inspiration; his or her very existence is confirmation of possibilities one may have every reason to doubt, saying, yes, someone like me can do this’. For me, Amal Clooney is the embodiment of this statement, making her my role model. The barriers facing women of colour in the workplace reflect somewhat of an unyielding concrete ceiling, whereby sexism and racism obstruct any attempt to advance within the labour market. Growing up as a woman of colour, I have heard countless stories of how difficult it will be to reach my full potential owing to this ceiling. However, Clooney has been able to chisel away at this ceiling and rise on her terms, showing me that with a focus on education, hard work and perseverance, it is possible for women to break through these barriers. In addition to being inspired by her career as a renowned international human rights barrister, Clooney’s dedication to defending/fighting for the rights of women and her transnational approach to feminism are also deeply inspiring. She shows respect for others and demonstrates an understanding and non-prejudiced view of those different from herself. Clooney has played a vital role in my life, and because of her, I have decided to jump over the hurdles in my path and prioritise my education by going on to complete my postgraduate studies. Inspired by Clooney’s approach towards others, I have involved myself in several non-governmental organisations which champion female empowerment, all in appreciation to Clooney for making me recognise my potential beyond societal expectations.

 

Inspired by Jane Goodall

by Anke Nel, Andrew W Mellon Scholar

 

Dr Jane Goodall is a British humanitarian, scientist and conservationist who travelled to Tanzania in the 1960s to study chimpanzees in the Gombe Forest. Her work in Tanzania not only changed conventional notions about chimpanzees but paved the way for women to be included in science. Today, Dr Goodall continues to advocate for chimpanzees and uses her institute to improve the lives of threatened animals, communities and environments around the world through the Roots and Shoots programme.

 

Dr Goodall had no experience and very little money saved up when she first travelled to Africa. Through her curiosity, courage and determination, she has taught women around the world that they can achieve anything they want to. At 87 years old, she continues to advocate for the vulnerable, be they animals, people or the environment. These efforts have made Dr Goodall a UN messenger of peace. This Women’s Day, I want to reflect on Dr Goodall’s extraordinary work, to acknowledge how powerful and courageous women can be and what a positive difference we can make if we set our minds to something.

 

Inspired by Nontsikelo Mazwai

by Palesa Mbonde, Andrew W Mellon Scholar

 

Nontsikelelo Mazwai is a model of the kind of woman we all should aspire to be. Ntsiki is a true reflection of the approximately 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 to petition against the carrying of passes. Her work embodies the sacrifice, bravery and strength of South African women in 1956. She lives a life that speaks to the significance of women in building a better tomorrow; she personifies the kind of woman that Women’s Day serves to commemorate.

 

She is a poet, blogger, musician, social activist and beadwork artist. She is an outspoken activist who uses various social media platforms to highlight and spark discourse on social issues that include but are not limited to black consciousness, racism, sexual assault and the abuse of women and children. Ntsiki has been through life-altering experiences, such as losing her mother at a fairly young age and surviving sexual abuse, that could have been discouraging in her journey. She has instead taken the challenges of life in stride and used her experiences to empower others by encouraging public engagement through her often controversial assertions. She grapples with the tough issues and engages in national debates on a range of social issues. She makes use of accessible mediums (music, poetry and social media platforms) to convey her message, inform and share opinions on matters of the day.

 

She is a mouthpiece for those whose voices are muffled, a born leader, and an indomitable spirit who risks being ostracised in order to advance her cause. She is a reminder to actively and fearlessly pursue causes that are meaningful and to pioneer new and exciting ways of contributing positively towards addressing contemporary challenges we face in South Africa.

 

Inspired by my mother

by Andrea du Toit, Andrew W Mellon Scholar

 

When I think of strong, inspirational women, the first person that I think of is my mother. Like millions of women around the world, my mother has suffered through various traumas. While her story is not mine to tell, the strength and determination that she continues to show is reason alone to consider her my greatest role model. She is, however, so much more than her story. When I think about my mother, I think about Bob the Builder—can she fix it? Yes, she can. Yes, she can. My mother has the belief that women can do anything they put their minds to, and she has never been wrong about it. She is always a phone call away, providing a much-needed instruction manual for life. She, like so many women in South Africa, is a reminder of how compassion and love can break barriers down and build families up. She continues to dedicate her life to her children, supporting and encouraging us to reach for our dreams. And while we celebrate her birthday on 9 August, it is only fitting that I dedicate part of the celebrations of Women’s Day to her and all the other women out there who inspire, nurture and embolden those who come after them.

 

Today, we celebrate the women of South Africa and the women of the world. We celebrate their strength to hold us together, their guidance to help us thrive and their love to help us survive. I challenge each person reading this piece to celebrate the women in your life, not just today, but every day.

Happy Women’s Day.

 

‘Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.’