saundra busieka obote: YOU STIKE A WOMAN , YOU STRIKE A ROCK

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women marching toward union buildings

the four leaders of the march

YOU STRIKE A WOMAN YOU STRIKE A ROCK !!!

This is a man's world, But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl “this is a versed from one of music’s legendary icon James Brown and this words in many ways resound the opinion of many out there in the world that man rules the world however he is quick to remember that without women a man is as good as a lost soul.

History has it that On 9 August 1956, 20,000 women staged a march on the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act (commonly known as the pass laws) of 1950. They left bundles of petitions containing more than 100 000 signatures at Prime Minister J.G. Strijdom's office doors. Outside they stood silently for 30 minutes, many with their children on their backs. The women sang a protest song that was composed in honour of the occasion: Wathint'Abafazi Wathint'imbokodo!! (Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock.): "you strike a woman, you strike a rock"). This phrase has since then come to represent women's courage and strength in South Africa.

It’s been 57 years since the infamous march to the union buildings in Pretoria led by Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophie Williams, Among other South African women of all races in demand of equal rights and gender equality and since then the path to equality has been a very long winding road with lots of bumps on the way.

Statistics reflect that South Africa is ranked third in the world for female representation in parliament and although this shows the government’s effort to create equality and empower women. If you pay close attention to the CVs of these women you will note that they have incredible wealth of knowledge, and experience.

Despite of this south African women still face a lot of challenges in their everyday life, south Africa is reportedly the rape capital of the world, cases of violence against women are on the rise, access to land and economic empowerment remain a challenge, many women still live in poverty, and when decisions are made at times women’s input is not considered.

As a woman I pride in myself in celebrating the achievements of fellow women, I take pride in their success and hope that others get inspired in the achievements of this women, and work hard to also feel the joy that comes with the knowledge that you have succeeded in something.

So here’s to all the women of south Africa who have and continue to work long hard hours, to make sure there is food on the table, that their families are well taken care of among others tasks , to those that have worked hard to achieve their success and in many ways have rewritten history, and inspired many.

From Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, South Africa's first woman deputy president, who was recently been appointed head of UN women, an international agency promoting equality for women. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the current chairperson of the African union has so far very impressive job. Nonkululeko Gobodo is the first black woman chartered accountant in South Africa and founding member of Gobodo Inc. I should also mention Thuli Madonsela the Public Protector Of South Africa. Believe me this are very senior position and demand a lot of effort and hard work and so my hat goes out to this women.

Happy women’s month to all the women of this country (Grandmothers, Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Aunties, Etc) and May your hard work pay off, and continue smiling, “Smiling is definitely one of the best beauty remedies. If you have a good sense of humour and a good approach to life, that's beautiful”. Rashida Jones