1. Know your History
Each year we pay tribute to the 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on the 9th of August 1956 in protest of Pass Laws for women, but let us remember the pioneers who started the woman's movement in South Africa:
Charlotte Maxeke (1913) ANC Woman's League
Cissy, Jaynab, and Amina Gool (1930) National Liberation League and the Non-European United Front
Amina Pahad (1946) Passive resistance Campaign
These are just a few of the hundreds of women who fought in the struggle for woman's rights in South Africa. Understand your world today, by researching the past.
2. Start a DMC (deep and meaningful conversation)
"Freedom of speech" is one of the best weapons, women have in their arsenal. After the Wade vs. Roe (24th, June 2022) overturned ruling in America about abortion rights, it sparked a fierce outrage around the world about the reestablished antiquated abortion laws. By starting a conversation with a friend, family member, stranger, online blogging, social media, etc., we create an awareness that might change the world like the woman before us.
3. Support local Woman-owned Businesses
Whitney Wolfe Herd, the world's youngest self-made female billionaire said:
"The power lunch is no longer just for men. We all deserve a seat at the table."
South Africa has thousands of proud women-owned businesses that need your support and allegiance. Here are just a few fiercely ambitious women you can check out.
Metsi & Co
(Nikola Pelser) info@metsico.co.za
Arcade Ink
(Monique Schroeder) https://www.arkade-ink.co.za/artists/monique/
Gradtitude Kidz
(Bernice Mzizi) Day care centre based in Bloemfontein, Freestate, RSA
Lee-Ann Cakes & Cupcakes
(Lee-Ann Burri) https://www.lccza.com/
Mahaeng Health and Beauty Spa
(Eunice Rasutha) https://www.facebook.com/Mahaeng-Health-and-Beauty-Spa-109664050392947/ working in partnership with Boschrand Nails & Body
Polish'd Nail & Beauty salon
(Elzette Kelder) 076 136 3657
VisKopSop Production House
(MorganBallantyne) https://www.viskopsop.com/about-us
Pink Lemon
(Renee Beck) https://reneebeck.co/
4. Challenge yourself, ladies!
This August, do something you fear or have never done before. Ask for that promotion, go skydiving, join a gym, create that profile on a dating website, go horse-riding, and be adventurous! The feeling of exhilaration and freedom afterward will without a doubt be worth it. I will be challenging myself by going on daily walks and enjoying a meat-free August.
5. Great Girlfriends Getaway
Do you remember that road trip with your best friends you never organized because life kept getting in the way? Well, Boschrand Lodge can help you with that. This August, we have woman's month packages that fit your budget and your needs ladies! Click here to see the specials. Spoil yourself and the women around you with some attention and love.
6. Self-care
Self-care has become an integral part of my life these past couple of years, not only because I am a notoriously self-indulgent person but because I know if I care for myself, I am better equip to care for those around me. This month make a self-care checklist and try to complete it by the end; your mind, soul, and body will thank you for it later.
7. Support Women Authors and Artists
Buhle Ngaba https://buhlengaba.com/ is known for Swan Song (2017)
Emma Lungiswa De Wet is a South African writer for television, animation, and feature film known for Glass House (2021)
Mamela Nyamza performance artist, dancer, and choreographer is known for DE-APART-HATE (2017)
Dada Masilo choreographer and a prodigious dancer. Known for her reworking of classical ballets, she realized Romeo and Juliet in 2008 and Carmen in 2009.
Naledi Mashishi known author of Invisible Strings(2021)
Shelley Barry https://africanfilmny.org/directors/shelley-barry/
Nandipha Mntambo artist, sculpturer, photographer, and videographer https://www.artsy.net/artist/nandipha-mntambo
Genna Gardini Writer, Theatre-Maker, Educator https://www.gennagardini.com/
Maneo Mohale Writer and poet https://www.maneomohale.com/
8. Involve Men and other Genders
Engaging men and other genders in the women empowerment movement will allow a deeper understanding of the sustainable goals we want to reach as women. Involve everyone in the fight against gender injustices. Tag them in relevant online posts, and invite them to protests, conferences, and get-togethers.
9. Gender Equality today for a Sustainable tomorrow
International Woman's day 2022 was all about recognizing women's contribution against climate change- its adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all. According to the UN Women Association (Burcu Köleli for UN Women,2022) :
" Women are increasingly being recognized as more vulnerable to climate change impacts than men, as they constitute the majority of the world poor and are more dependent on the natural resources which climate change threatens the most."
Find a sustainable way to fight climate change, even if you just start with recycling. Remember, you make a difference no matter how small.
10. Celebrate yourself!
It is time to celebrate yourself and the incredible women around you. This month Boschrand Lodge's Moru Restaurant will have food and cocktail specials for all our woman patrons. Click here to see the specials. Every day of your life is a special occasion- you are remarkable, you are alive and your life is worth celebrating! So dust off your crown and never forget who you are.
“Life is tough my darling, but so are you.”
– Stephanie Bennett Henry