Women’s Month celebrations continue as we conclude the month that pays tribute to the women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest towards the extension of Pass Laws to women. On 28 August 2023, SPU’s Campus Housing and Accommodation Unit (CAHAU) hosted a Women’s Day celebratory event with the theme “Embracing Equity”. Adopted from this year’s international theme of Women’s Day, the mandate of the event is to empower and remind young women that they are the dynamic forces behind their own identities.
Guest speakers at the event, Ms Primrose Masango, Self-identity and Purpose Specialist Activist, and Mrs Nomazizi Maputle, Speaker: Sol Plaatje Municipality, shared inspirational dialogues, addressing the true essence of equity and how it is attainable without women competing amongst each. Coming full circle in this discourse, members of the audience shared personal accounts about overcoming challenges and defying stereotypes.
The highlight of the celebration was the panel discussion, led by keynote speakers, Ms Masango and Ms Petersen, who engaged the audience on the topic of women empowerment. After which, the hall was set alight by an all-female lineup of talented artists, performing poetry and music, that kept the audience on their toes.
This phenomenal night was concluded by SPU Student Representative Council (SRC): Societies Officer, Zintle Xakeka, who acknowledged the incredible strength and resilience of women who make it their goal to conquer obstacles in their path, and create spaces in their communities, classrooms, and workplaces for others to thrive. She shared a quote with the audience, which she holds dear to her heart: “Forget about taking up space, create and make space that allows you to understand and honour that this is your own pace, and your own race.”
This key event celebrated women in residences, as we continue to create the kind of “home-away-from-home” residences where women especially are empowered to live authentic lives, fully in their power.
