December 16th: A Day of Reflection, Reconciliation, and Women’s Voices

On December 16th, South Africa pauses to reflect, to remember, and to reconcile. It’s a day woven from threads of struggle and hope, carrying both the weight of history and the promise of a better future. Officially known as the Day of Reconciliation, December 16th reminds us of how far we have come and how far we still need to go, especially when it comes to inclusion, justice, and the empowerment of all people.

The Layers of December 16th: From Division to Unity

The history of December 16th is multi-layered, reflective of South Africa’s complex past.

• In 1838, the Battle of Blood River took place between the Voortrekkers and the Zulu Kingdom. For many years, this day was commemorated in ways that highlighted division.
• In 1961, the African National Congress (ANC) took a historic stand with the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the liberation movement. Leaders like Nelson Mandela chose this day to symbolize resistance against the apartheid regime - a call for justice, freedom, and equality.

For decades, December 16th carried contrasting meanings. But in 1995, South Africa reclaimed the day, transforming it into a symbol of reconciliation, a day to unite a fractured nation, honour shared humanity, and look to the future with hope.

Yet, reconciliation is not a single act. It is a continuous process and a choice we make every day to listen, uplift, and rebuild together.

What Do We Remember?

On this day, we honour the sacrifices of those who fought against injustice. We remember the people who endured years of systemic oppression, segregation, and silence. But we also celebrate the resilience of those who dared to rise up, the activists, leaders, and ordinary citizens who imagined a South Africa that belonged to all who live in it.

Their courage carved a path toward the freedoms we enjoy today. And yet, the work is far from over.

The Role of Women: Heroes Then and Now

In the fight for liberation, women were often the unsung heroes. Their strength, leadership, and courage shaped the struggle in profound ways.

Take, for example, the iconic 1956 Women’s March to Pretoria. On August 9th of that year, over 20,000 women of all races came together to protest against the oppressive pass laws. Leading this extraordinary demonstration were four remarkable women:

• Lilian Ngoyi: The first woman elected to the ANC executive committee, a powerful orator and activist.
• Helen Joseph: A fearless anti-apartheid activist who faced harassment and house arrest but never stopped advocating for justice.
• Rahima Moosa: A trade unionist who understood the power of solidarity.
• Sophia Williams-De Bruyn: The youngest leader of the march, still an inspiration to women today.

Their message was clear: “You strike a woman, you strike a rock.” These words became a rallying cry, symbolizing the unbreakable spirit of South African women.

The Women of Today: Leading the Way Forward

While we celebrate the triumphs of the past, we must also look to the present. Women today continue to lead movements for equality, justice, and economic empowerment.

In South Africa and across Africa, women entrepreneurs are building businesses that uplift families, strengthen communities, and grow economies. From township businesses to corporate boardrooms, women are proving their innovation, resilience, and ability to lead.

And yet, systemic barriers persist:

• Women-owned businesses receive just 2% of global investment funding.
• Women are still underrepresented in leadership, excluded from value chains, and denied access to critical resources.

This is why initiatives that empower women economically are so important. Women in South Africa, Africa, and across the world are not asking for handouts, they are building solutions, driving innovation, and leading communities forward. They just need the recognition, support, and opportunities to reach their full potential.

A Global Lesson: Inclusion Is the Key to Progress

The Day of Reconciliation teaches us a lesson that resonates far beyond South Africa’s borders: true progress requires inclusion, equity, and justice for all.

When women succeed, economies grow. When women’s businesses thrive, families and communities prosper. And when we uplift women, whether in South Africa, Africa, or globally- we pave the way for a more just and equitable world.

But reconciliation is incomplete without action. It’s more than a concept -it’s a commitment.

A Call to Action: Building Together

This December 16th, as we reflect on our past and our progress, let’s ask ourselves:

• What can we do to reconcile, not only with history but with one another?
• How can we empower women as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs?
• How can we use our voices, platforms, and resources to build an inclusive future?

Supporting women in business, amplifying their voices, and ensuring they have access to opportunities isn’t just the right thing to do -it’s the smart thing to do.

Reconciliation starts with us. It starts with choices -choosing to support women-owned businesses, to collaborate, and to create spaces where all people can thrive.

This December 16th let’s honour the past by working toward a future where reconciliation isn’t just remembered—it’s lived. A future where every voice matters, every business is seen, and every opportunity is shared.