Women’s Month: Celebrating South African Women

In South Africa, August is National Women’s Month and the 9th of August is Women’s Day. This is an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of women and the significant role that they have played in South Africa.

On the 9th of August 1956, 20?000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to petition the apartheid government against pass laws that prevented black people from moving freely in urban areas and enforced segregation. The significance of the March continues to be a point of reflection for the nation today as we remember their valiant efforts in honour of one of South Africa’s most significant historical milestones. Women’s month is also a time where we empower and celebrate the beauty and strength of South African women in our society today.

It’s no secret that South African women have been making their mark in South Africa and internationally. Women are making enormous strides in business, academia, politics, with an increasing number of women achieving top positions.

Here’s how we can celebrate women this month:

1.?????Recognition of their achievements.

Women’s achievements have been ignored, underreported, and erased from history far too many times. Recognizing the achievements of women has a huge impact and can lead to a higher self-esteem amongst girls and can fuel their desire to lead. Recognition is important and it matters. It can also be meaningful for women that own businesses.

2.?????Invest in women owned businesses.

This is probably one of the easiest ways to support women is business. Be a customer and share their products/services with your friends and family.

3.?????Mentor female entrepreneurs.

If you are experienced in business, mentor a young and upcoming entrepreneur. Sharing your knowledge, past mistakes and successes can help other women avoid making the same mistakes or even give them a brilliant idea on how to improve their business.

4.?????Advocate for gender equality.

Despite the progress that has been made, institutional and social barriers continue to impede South African women’s advancement in business. They are still underestimated and often treated unfairly, and therefore we must help make women’s voices heard by speaking up if you see inequality in real life.?

5.?????Promote them on social media.

With just the click of a button you can do your part in supporting women in business. This can be done by sharing their posts, products and engaging with them on social media. When you do this, you are helping them with their reach and in turn they can get more customers. Businesses can also save your comments and use them for future marketing.

Our country has made great progress since the time of the Pass Laws, but we still have a long way to go before we can truly honour the women in our country. We need to look at ways that can promote equal opportunities and a better society for our women. Supporting women in entrepreneurship is a step in the right direction.