Women’s Day in South Africa traditionally celebrates the staged march by women on the Union Building on 9 August 1956.
It celebrates the strength and resilience of women who laid the foundations of a democratic South Africa and the strides made toward gender equality.
More recently it has become an important period to reflect on the progress made toward the promotion of women’s rights and the elimination of injustice against women.
As we pay homage to the work done by many great women, and the ongoing efforts toward the achievement of a safe, free, and fair society, the Goodwood clinic invited the public to show their support and solidarity against the attacks on people, especially women, by forming human chains in their communities.
The Goodwood Clinic had their human chain from Dirkie Uys Street and Voortrekker Road.
Nice gesture for women
Mr Lourens, a patient at Goodwood clinic, said he walked because it was a nice gesture for the women.
Louise Dreyer, a Goodwood resident and patient of the clinic, said she walked to support everybody on account of what is going on in the country and the world, “the abuse is terrible, there are a lot of women that are suffering that we do not know about”.
Dreyer said she thinks victims must speak out; she hopes the human chain “taught them it is safe to speak out and get help”. Dreyer added,“I will complain if anybody is being abused.”
Hester Rigby said she took part in the human chain because she believes in women’s rights, she believes we should look after each other.
Sr Lewies, the operational manager, said a lot of women go through a lot of challenges, and abuse, verbally, and physically.
We stand with women
“This is our way to say we are standing with women, we are here for women.”
According to Sr Lewies there are a lot of avenues women can exit, many times women do not know about places they can go.
“Patients come in here and we do not only see the medical side, but we also see emotional abuse, so this is just a way we would like to bring awareness, and spread the news, you do not have to suffer in silence.”
There are places women can go to where you can get help and get attended to, Lewies said.
