Words cannot be enough to describe how empowering the Departmental Women's Day celebration held at Oliver Tambo house on 16 August 2018. If power, freedom, fearlessness and strength could be personified, they would be a mirror representation of each and every woman attended this year's event.
The theme for the day was blue and white, which the women so lavishly wore. The programme was a comprehensive representation of strong women who shared such powerful insights about motherhood, parenting, gender violence and the well-being of women in general. What gave the event a competitive edge were the personal stories shared so courageously by women about their pain, loss and abuse.
One could tell, by the groaning sounds of the women in the audience conveying their pleasure while agreeing with each of the speakers, as well as acknowledging the pain that they had faced over years. Sitting quietly within the crowd, as a young woman, I felt a great sense of unity, belonging and security being surrounded by such powerful, mighty beings.
“Malibongwe igama lamakhosikazi” which translates the name of women must be exalted as well as “Wathinta abafazi, wathinta imbokodo”- “You strike a woman you strike a rock” were slogans, which reverberated throughout the event. The event celebrated Mama Albertina Sisulu as a heroine for the role she played in the struggle for the liberation of South Africa. As a leader, freedom fighter, and activist and as mother, Mama Sisulu was celebrated for her resilience, strength and giving hope for the others. Women were also alerted about the Departmental Gender Forum and its role in addressing issues of gender equality and equity in the working space. The purpose of this presentation was to enlighten and convince women to be active participants in the fight for their rights in the work place.
The attendance by the newly appointed Head of Department, Dr S. Sharpley added excitement to the event. The HOD shared several insights about what he would like to achieve in terms of women empowerment in the department. He said during his walkabouts, he noticed that the department needs to improve in the recruitment, training and empowering of women. Dr Sharpley said among others his goal would be to ensure that gender equity and equality is properly implemented. He also encouraged the women employees to “be ambitious, driven and hardworking”.
Most women in attendance were overwhelmed with enthusiasm and felt energised by the HOD’s remarks, which paints a bright future for women employees in the department. These remarks awakened the sense of hope, unity and equality. Another exhilarating element to the event was the exposure of women employee talents such as arts craft displayed creatively on the tables inside the Auditorium.
The event was also graced with the presence of DDG IAM, Mrs Sindi Linda and the Chief Director: Corporate Services, Mr Phiweyo Duma, who shared some very powerful words about the worth and strength of women. The KZN Department of Public Works should be commended for enabling women to have this platform to celebrate themselves and celebrate the forbearers on the emancipation of women. One would like to commend the organising team for professionalism and dedication to the success of the event.
