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Now and Then

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Women bear a disproportionate burden of the world’s poverty, according to a report by United Nations Women. It indicates that women are most likely to be poorer and prone to hunger as a result of systematic and institutionalised discrimination they face in accessing education, health, and employment. As we commemorate the national Women’s Day on August 9, Khensane Maranele speaks to the 1956 generation and compares the note with today’s 21st century woman. Reverend Motlalepula Chabaku was one of the organisers who canvassed the thousands of women in the historical march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on August 9, 1956. Around 20 000 women protested against the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act (commonly known as the pass laws of 1950). The women left scores of petitions containing more than 100 000 signatures at the then Prime Minister J.G Strijdom’s office doors. Chabaku says South Africa has come far from the class of 56’ and a long way in terms of empowering women – more than the first world countries like Britain, France or Germany. Comparing the present day woman to the woman of 1956, she says South Africa has done a lot to empower women. “We have far more progressive laws in our country. Women are in positions of leadership. But, even though much has been done, there is still more to be done.”

We have far more progressive laws in our country. Women are in positions of leadership. But, even though much has been done, there is still more to be done

50/50

“We have campaigned for 50/50, but businesses and other economic activities are hesitant to apply the 50/50 basis in employment, promotion and leadership women. So, we cannot blame women for lagging behind.”

The cleric says the women of 56′ had power. They were innovators who helped families to survive under the harsh apartheid laws. “They were the ones who started building homes in the rural areas – not the men. It is the women who used cow dung to do weaving to make the courtyard more presentable.”

Siphokazi Motaung is a sister who is ‘doing it for herself’ – a beautician who owns a beauty parlour based in Newtown, downtown Johannesburg. Her trade includes eye-lashes, facials and acrylic nails amongst other things. She says women should empower themselves and not wait for government programmes to push them. “The government cannot give you everything, go out there and do it for yourself.” Motaung says working on a fixed-term contract and being unsure of her income made her put her dream in action. “Seeing as you never guaranteed if your contract will be renewed – I took my talent and ran with it.”

– By Khensane Maranele

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