August 9 is National Women’s Day in South Africa. On the 9th of August 1956 over 20,000 women of all walks of life in South Africa marched together to protest against the “pass” laws. Having a pass was the only way that African persons were allowed to enter areas reserved for white people only. Women who were protesting were at risk of arrest, detention and further sanctions on their freedom.
National Women’s day not only celebrates women but celebrates unity also. The unity of women from all walks of life in South Africa, fighting for the rights of both women and men.
Women continue to impact South Africa through the GoLD program. The young women who participate in GoLD also come from many walks of life. Many of the young women in the program are orphaned and yet are the heads of their households. Some of the young women are single mothers. Many of them have experienced such incredible hardships at such a young age. Rape and HIV/AIDS are devastatingly high. Yet the young women in GoLD shine bright. Through GoLD they learn how to support, mentor and educate their peers to make positive choices.
In KwaZulu-Natal, Nosipho* who has been personally moved by the high number of pregnant teenagers in her community, has set up and now runs, a support group for pregnant teenagers and advocates for more community support for this vulnerable group in her community. Nosipho is only 16 years old and after receiving training from GoLD she is confident to approach her local politicians and others in her community to seek their support.
*not her real name, to protect her privacy.
Written by Grace Morris, the South Africa Project Officer.
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