In 1956, under the leadership of stalwarts such as Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn women from all over the country took a bold step to defy the unjust laws of the apartheid regime and marched to the Union Buildings to demand justice and equality.

In remembrance of this heroic stance, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/Commission) joins the rest of the country to commemorate this important contribution.

Indeed, women in South Africa are faced with many challenges such as gender-based violence, poverty, crime and others. The Commission notes strides being made by different role players to address these challenges and calls for the country to double its effort to end gender-based violence, inequality for women and other societal ills affecting women. Each one of us can play a role to change our society for the better through participating in the Social Harmony National Effort (SHiNE). Through self-reflection and dialogue, the Commission is of the view that the National Effort can bring harmony into homes and among families and neighbours.

The Social Harmony National Effort (SHiNE) aims to involve the participation of all members of the society in transitioning our country towards achieving harmony, respect and equality, so that all can enjoy their human rights.

As part of celebrating women’s month, the North-West provincial office of the SAHRC, supported by the office of the Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, Fatima Chohan, recently held SHiNE initiatives under the theme “Good Governance Starts at Home: Empowered Women a Cornerstone of Strong Families and Communities”. The initiative unpacked key challenges that hold women back from achieving their full potential such as gender-based violence and menstrual poverty and was aimed at seeking meaningful and sustainable ways to get the whole society involved in addressing these challenges, with the ultimate view of improving the plight of women and girls. Women and girls are the originators of resilient and healthy families and communities.

The Commission will be embarking on a number of awareness raising programmes this month throughout the country to empower women about their rights and how to claim them when they are violated. Details regarding activities will be communicated closer to each activity.

Finally, the Commission calls on all members of the public to play a role in dismantling societal ills and stereotypes that continue to trample on the rights of women.

Ends

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Wisani Baloyi – Acting Communications Coordinator Tel: 081 016 8308 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Alucia Sekgathume Tel: 082 689 2364 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.