Celebrating Womanhood: Empowerment, Progress, and Unity
We dedicate the month of August to celebrating the incredible strength, resilience, and achievements of women. On 9 August, South Africa celebrates Women’s Day, and here at the Salesian Institute Youth Projects, we bring particular dedication to all the females who have never given up or succumbed to the pressure of life itself.
As we celebrate Woman's Day, it's essential to recognize the progress achieved over the years. From the suffragette movements that fought for women's right to vote to the trailblazing women in science, politics, arts, and business who have shattered stereotypes, we have come a long way. The advancements we see today result from the relentless efforts of women who refused to be confined by societal norms.
We recognise the challenges faced specifically by the youth coming from at-risk communities on a daily basis. We salute the young girl from Khayelitsha who was abused by a family member for years but has risen from the trauma and refused for her past to influence her future. We celebrate Thandi, a breast cancer survivor, who rose to the challenge as a single mother, losing her husband at a young age, working as a domestic worker for years, taking sewing classes on the side, and now being employed in a permanent position as a class assistant teaching young ladies sewing. We salute Rebecca who has been the victim of gender-based violence, for not letting it deter her from attending her classes and completing her Seta-accredited course.
Every woman has the power to inspire change, whether on a global scale or within her own community. By embracing our strengths, passions, and talents, we can make a difference. Mentorship and support are crucial in this journey; when we lift each other up, we create a network of empowered women who can influence positive societal change.
As we celebrate Woman's Day, let's remember the remarkable women who paved the way for us and the countless women who continue to inspire us today. Let this day serve as a reminder that women are strong, capable, and deserving of every opportunity that comes their way.
