HONOURING THE COURAGE AND RESILIENCE OF WOMEN – ESPECIALLY THOSE AFFECTED BY HIV AND AIDS

By Lerato Khateane.

• Women’s Day in South Africa is a call for women and communities to move beyond words to actions that make an impact.
• Now is the time to break the stigma, expand access to healthcare, and ensure that no woman is left behind in the fight against HIV and Aids, according to the deputy director for HIV and Aids in the Free State Department of Social Development, Mamelo Phakoe.
• Acting in unison, women can accelerate progress and shape a society without limits.

Women’s Day commemorations in Bloemfontein placed a special focus on honouring women affected by or living with HIV and Aids.

Joining the provincial event hosted by the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality at the Mahube Tumelo Hall in Bloemfontein on 8 August 2025, the Free State Department of Social Development united with women across the province in paying tribute to their strength, resilience, and achievements.

Delivering a message of support, the deputy director for HIV and Aids at the provincial department, Mamelo Phakoe, emphasised that beyond celebrating Women’s Day, the day is also a call to action.

Guided by this year’s theme of “Accelerate Action – Act Now”, Phakoe urged women and communities to move from intention to impact.

“Words are not enough. Now is the time to act to break the stigma, expand access to healthcare, and ensure that no woman is left behind in the fight against HIV and Aids,” she said.

Phakoe reminded those at the event that women, especially young women and girls, continue to face unique challenges such as gender-based violence, unequal access to health services, and social injustice. These issues heighten vulnerability to HIV and demand urgent, compassionate, and accountable responses.

She encouraged everyone to:
•⁠ ⁠Empower women with knowledge and resources to protect their health;
•⁠ ⁠Ensure equal access to prevention, treatment, and care without discrimination; and
•⁠ ⁠Build safe, supportive communities that uphold every woman’s right to dignity and hope.

Highlighting the urgency of gender equality, Phakoe stressed that progress cannot wait.

She called for breaking barriers, challenging injustice, and creating spaces where women across all roles and generations can thrive and lead.

“Let’s act now to close the opportunity gaps; let’s act now to ensure equal pay, equal voice, and equal rights,” she urged.

In closing, she reminded women that change begins today, with bold action and unwavering commitment.

Together, she said, women can accelerate progress and shape a department and a society where every woman’s potential knows no limits.