Women's Day: Celebrating Humanity.

 

By Hlalani Mdunge, Okuhle S Cetyiwe, Thaboeteng Ncube, Thandiswa Ngolothi and Mamello Mpiti.

Throughout history, women have made significant contributions to society, yet their efforts are often overlooked. Their roles encompass various aspects of life, from being caregivers within their families to economic contributors, entrepreneurs, leaders of innovation, social change agents challenging societal norms, and community builders. Women continue to give their all in every aspect.

On August 9th, 1956, 20,000 women made history by marching to the Union Buildings in Pretoria with over 100,000 signatures on petition documents. Their campaign aimed to bring an end to the pass laws implemented by the apartheid government. The women left the petition forms at the Prime Minister's office and then gathered outside the building to sing the protest song, "Wathinta abafazi, wathinta imbokodo," which translates to "You have touched women, you have struck a rock." These words symbolize the courage and strength of women.

Women's Day has its roots in the labor and feminist movements that fought for women's rights, such as the right to vote and fair working practices. National Women’s Day draws attention to the significant issues women still face today, including parenting, domestic violence, sexual harassment in the workplace, and unequal pay. Women's Day is celebrated to highlight the importance of continuing the fight for equality and recognizing the critical role that women play in improving and shaping the world.

Since UNICEF's inception in 1946, a significant part of its success can be attributed to the remarkable women who have been part of the organization. These women have been instrumental in shaping UNICEF's policies, programs, and initiatives. Women comprise more than 48% of UNICEF’s senior-level staff, positioning the organization within the gender parity threshold of the United Nations (UNICEF, 2022). Women have held significant leadership positions within UNICEF, such as Etleva Kadilli, the Director of UNICEF’s Supply Division, who exemplifies women’s leadership in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Women at UNICEF have been pivotal in developing programs that address the long-term needs of women and children. Their contributions have not only shaped the organization’s mission but have also significantly impacted the lives of many children and families worldwide. As UNICEF continues to evolve and grow, the role of women remains integral to its success and effectiveness in promoting children’s rights and welfare.

Educational empowerment for girls is a process that equips them with access to quality education, knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions and take control of their lives. This process involves identifying and addressing systemic barriers, biases, and discriminatory practices that hinder girls' access to education, and creating a supportive learning environment that fosters their intellectual, social, and emotional growth. By doing so, we can unlock girls' full potential, challenge gender inequalities, and empower them to become active participants in their communities and societies.

To make girls' education a priority, a multi-faceted approach is required. Raising awareness about the benefits of girls' education through campaigns, social media, and community outreach is crucial. Additionally, advocating for policies that promote girls' education, such as free tuition, scholarships, and safe transportation, can help address systemic barriers. Identifying and addressing these barriers, including child marriage, poverty, and lack of infrastructure, is also essential.

Engaging with local communities, leaders, and parents in promoting girls' education is vital, as is partnering with organizations like UNICEF. Empowering role models by highlighting stories of successful, educated women and girls can inspire and motivate. Ensuring access to quality educational materials, technology, infrastructure, and monitoring progress toward girls' educational empowerment is also necessary.

At UNICEF@UJ, women empowerment is a key focus. Our teams and campaigns are often led by women, demonstrating our commitment to this cause. For instance, the literacy department is led by Nkhensani, who has been empowered to lead, coordinate, and oversee the activities of all literacy teams in our club. Her leadership has significantly benefited the club, improving productivity and ensuring consistency across the different branches of our literacy teams. Additionally, all our programs/initiatives are led by women.

Our deputy president, Charlotte, is another example of how UNICEF@UJ empowers women. She has been with the club since last year, and her contributions have been instrumental in revitalizing the club. Additionally, our board consists of 60% women, and 50% of our executive committee comprises of women, underscoring the vital role women play in the growth and success of our club.

UNICEF@UJ is proud of its female volunteers and deeply appreciates their contributions to the club's success. Happy National Women's Day.