Reflections of a Chairlady: April

At our April meeting, I spoke about this month being deeply meaningful to us as South Africans. In particular, as we approach 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗮𝘆, it is even more significant for women.

We need to always be reminded that South African women didn’t always have the opportunities we have today.

But before we step boldly into our future, we must recognise the strength of the women who walked before us.

In South Africa, women – especially Black women – faced not only gender inequality but the harsh realities of apartheid. They were denied the right to vote, restricted in movement by passed laws, and denied equal education under the Bantu Education Act.

Yet, they did not stay silent.

From Lilian Ngoyi to the thousands who marched in the Women’s March in Pretoria in 1956, women fought for the freedom we now enjoy under the Constitution of South Africa.

Because of their resilience, we now stand in a Country shaped by that Constitution, where equality is not just a dream, but a right.

But here’s the truth: rights alone are not enough.

It is up to us to use our voices, claim our spaces, and lead with purpose.

Today, I wanted to include a photo of the very special ladies who are part of our monthly Coffee Connect on the North Coast. Here they are celebrating my Birthday. I have gotten to know most of these women over the past year, and I can tell you that they are the strongest, bravest, kindest and most resilient women I have ever met. They are women who are committed to building their community and focusing all their strengths into these projects.

They are a true example of 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲.

So today, the question for all of you is:

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝘀?

Let us not take lightly the opportunities we have today. Let us build businesses, uplift one another, and continue breaking barriers – not just for ourselves, but for the generations of women still to come.