Happy Women’s Day

“You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock”…

This is the common phrase known today, derived from the original “Wathint’Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo!”, which (when translated) means “Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock”.

It was a song composed for a women’s march that took place 54 years ago, on this day.  20 000 women marched in Pretoria at the Union building.  They were opposing the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act, better known as the ‘pass laws’, of 1950.  For more information about this day, click on this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Women’s_Day

Since then this day has been known as women’s day in South Africa.

Women’s day would be regarded, by many, as a sexist holiday.  But in a so called “mans world”, would that not make every day, a man’s day?

Throughout history women were made to be submissive and under-represented for their contribution to mankind.  It’s not just from legends and stories passed down through the ages, but prevalent throughout our history.  Great moments are commemorated by the men who defeated adversaries, or invented gadgets and the like or made life changing decisions.  Only a few women are remembered and revered.  This is partly due to their restrictions in education, recognition in professional societies and limitations in various work forces.  It is also due to the idea that it was inappropriate for woman to have recognition without the help or assistance of a male family member or friend.  But thanks to our endurance and a changing society, perspective has changed and towards the end of the 20^th century, women started getting the deserved recognition.

But it’s not just the women who make profound contributions to mankind, who deserve all the credit.

Each of us has a story to tell or a memory to share.  Each of us has made a contribution.  Whether it’s putting a smile on your child’s face in their saddest moments, or sacrificing something so that a loved one may prosper.  All these things make a difference.  In a few years time, that little moment may be remembered as part of what will make them who they will be, or help them to where they will go.

Women are definitely more respected now.  Even though we didn’t have to earn it, since we were never of inferior mind or ability.  We did need to prove ourselves to receive that respect.  Through our strength and endurance we have surpassed what our foremothers ever imagined for us.

It is important to keep our spirit alive.  We should be teaching our daughters to be of independent mind and to recognise and acknowledge the strength within them.  This is our world too and we deserve to be a part of it, in every way.

I’m not encouraging a women’s liberation movement, since there are extraordinary men in the world too.  But this particular post is dedicated to each woman who made a difference to many or even just to one.

Thank you each and every one of you.