SECURE CARE CENTRE CELEBRATES WOMEN’S MONTH IN VINTAGE STYLE

By Tendamudzimu Goza

• Women’s Month in South Africa honours the brave women who fought against apartheid, particularly the 1956 march against pass laws, a significant act of resistance.
• The Soshanguve Secure Care Centre recently hosted an engagement to celebrate the progress women have made since 1956, fostering unity, empowerment, and discussions on contemporary challenges.
• The Gauteng Department of Social Development remains dedicated to empowering women and ensuring the legacy of the 1956 marchers continues to inspire future generations.

In South Africa, August is recognised as Women’s Month, a time to honour the legacy of courageous women who fought against apartheid. Their most notable act of resistance took place on 9 August 1956, when over 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest the extension of pass laws. To commemorate this historic event, the democratic government declared August as a month dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements and continuing the fight for gender equality.

Last Friday, the Soshanguve Secure Care Centre, one of the Department’s institutions, hosted a special engagement to honour the women working at the facility and celebrate the progress women have made since 1956. The event aimed not only to pay tribute to the past but also to inspire unity and collective action among the women at the institution.

“Today we are gathered here to learn from each other and to empower all women within this facility,” said Social Work Supervisor Calvina Mashamaite, emphasising the importance of solidarity among women in overcoming the challenges they face.

In a nod to the past, attendees dressed in 1980s attire, reflecting the style and spirit of that era’s women. The event also served as a platform to discuss ongoing issues affecting women today, including gender-based violence, mental health, spirituality, and the challenges faced by women in business and leadership. Speakers at the event addressed these challenges, encouraging women to rise above adversity, strive for independence, and reduce their vulnerability to abuse.

Soshanguve Care Centre Head Patricia Ramere highlighted the inclusive nature of the celebration, stating, “We have eight female beneficiaries here, and we realised that today’s celebration should not only be about fun but also about educating them about our history. We included all women in this facility, regardless of their job position, so everyone can be equally empowered with knowledge and information, and no woman is left behind.”

The Gauteng Department of Social Development remains committed to empowering women and celebrating their successes, ensuring that the legacy of the 1956 marchers continues to inspire future generations.