Women’s Month is a time to celebrate being a woman and to do so with others. On the West Coast, a few women shared their thoughts on being a woman in today’s world, in terms of what they have learnt and experienced.
Nosipho Lisa from Vredenburg said she had learnt women are strong, forgiving, and loving.
“Looking at the different plights and traumas women go through daily, they still stand up tall and are the backbone of their family, their community, workplace, and the whole nation. Women are givers and incubators; they nurture everything given to them despite the challenges they face.” She said one of the biggest challenges they face is being looked down on, being under-marginalised in society and the workplace, and being doubted and criticised. She said that such challenges can be overcome.
“We as women need to understand who we are and acknowledge our God-given talents and abilities, understanding we are enough and capable, and knowing that our purpose and existence are bigger than the boxes in which society places us.”
For young Maxine Davids, being a woman is more than just being female; it’s about being the carrier of new creation, new life, having special abilities and gifts, and being unapologetically authentic and unique. Being a mother is one of her proudest accomplishments.
Absence of fathers
“I believe the biggest challenges women go through are the silent battles involved in playing more than one role, brought about particularly by the absence of fathers in South Africa, a social phenomenon that is so high. This is more than just a challenge; it’s an almost-unbearable weight to carry, and yet women are not allowed to complain because we naturally just have to multitask without a safe space to share or ask for assistance. I think we can overcome that by making sure fathers take accountability.”
Amber Seanes shared the same sentiment, saying that, although a cliché, becoming a mother had been her greatest achievement.
Also, there will be more women leaders in the world, considering the natural power and leadership they already exercise. “We need more women taking care of us,” Seanes declared.
Another challenge she cited is gender-based violence. “We can overcome it by teaching our children, boys and girls, how to respect each other and also enforce real justice for criminals.”
Esmarelda McKay said being a woman means carrying both strength and softness in the same body, having the ability to nurture, lead, create, and survive.
“As a single parent in South Africa, it means being the backbone of one’s household, the provider and protector, often without a safety net. It’s the resilience to get up when the world underestimates one and having the grace to love despite the hardships.
“My hope is for a South Africa where women, especially those going solo as parents, are valued and supported. Also, a future where no woman has to choose between putting food on the table and spending time with her children, one where girls are educated without fear, where women walk safely at night, and the corporate world is rich with women in decision-making roles.
“My dream is for women to live, and not just survive, thriving free, fearless and fulfilled.”
