Women wear many hats while initiating change in the spaces they occupy. Women are known for being industrious, entrepreneurial, and investing in changing the narratives of our societies despite the challenges they face. A 2022 article by La Svolta says, "the names of men fill history books and resonate in our minds. When you think of the fight for liberation, the name of a woman hardly comes to mind. In reality, women played a crucial role, equal to that of men.”
Women’s Month South Africa
9 August,1956 marked the day 20 000 outraged South African women from various walks of life and ethnicities marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria “to protest against the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act of 1950, commonly referred to as the “pass laws”, that required Black people to carry a ‘pass’.”
The women handed over a petition with over 100 000 signatures expressing their dissatisfaction with the travel restrictions and the apartheid government. The South African History Online highlights a historical song composed by the women stating; ‘wathint’ abafazi wathint’ imbokodo!’, meaning 'you strike a woman, you strike a rock’.
The protest song became a popular phrase used by women to amplify their power and the strength they possess to initiate change. The South African Government declared the 2022 Women’s Month theme as ‘Women’s Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment: Building Back Better for Women’s Resilience!’. The call to action for the month prompts the society, government, and partners to respond to the most persistent challenges affecting women and girls.
Shekhinah, Kamo Mphela and More Women Nominated for 2022 South African Music Awards
3rd Annual Malibongwe - Tribute To Women Festival
Amongst the various celebrations for women’s month, AMAKA attended the 3rd Annual Malibongwe Tribute to Women Festival. Families and friends from all over the Gauteng province gathered on the 9th of August to observe and celebrate Women’s Day at Emmarentia Botanical Gardens in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The line-up, which was women-led, included rising artists along with some of the big names in the industry. The headlining artists were Zonke, Uncle Waffles, Nomfundo Moh, Ami Faku, Simmy, Zakes Bantwini, and Sun El. Paballo Kgware, an award-winning TikTok sensation, kept festival goers entertained between performances. Comfortably seated on camp chairs with their coolers, the massive crowd swayed to the sounds of Afro-soul and house beats that resounded throughout the warm afternoon.
We spoke to the festival director, Joe Chakela, who says that “the Malibongwe Tribute To Women movement was formed in 2018 with the purpose of celebrating and paying homage to women. Particularly women who have made a mark in society. The role is also to inspire the younger generation.”
Chakela indicated a goal to form a foundation from the proceeds of the festival. The foundation will help eradicate gender based violence (GBV) and other social ills that are affecting women. “The safety of women is a major concern in our society looking at the reports of GBV, human trafficking, and rape statistics,” Chakela says.
While we celebrate the achievements of our predecessors, we are a long way from a safe and equal society. Standing in solidarity throughout the continent will move us closer to our goals. We are responsible for saving or celebrating ourselves – as the saying goes, wathint’ abafazi wathint’ imbokodo!