By Nikelo Mehlomakulu

The bold march by 20 000 women against apartheid laws in 1956 is still reverberating today. That march was the inspiration behind the Women’s Month event that the North-West University’s School of Governance hosted at the Mahikeng Campus on 21 August.

The event commemorated the 1956 Women’s March under the theme “Women in academia and society – reflecting on 69 years of women’s power”. It reflected on the historical struggles of women, the current challenges of gender inequality and the urgent need for active agency among young women in society.

Dr Tumelo Thiba, the Electoral Commission’s North West provincial electoral officer, reflected on the significance of activism and urged women to reclaim their agency and disrupt societal discourses that perpetuate victimhood. “We are the authors of our destiny. We cannot wait for someone to come and empower us. We need to disrupt the discourse that renders us perpetual victims.”

She traced the history of the Women’s March and the youth uprisings of 1976, linking them to present-day gender struggles. Despite strides in democracy, women remain underrepresented in leadership, she said. “Sixty-nine years later, out of 26 universities in South Africa, only six have female vice-chancellors. That is how much progress we have made, liberated as we think we are.”

Dr Salphinah Vuloyimuni Ubisi, senior lecturer in the subject group Public Administration and Local Government, emphasised the importance of practical self-empowerment. She lamented the persistence of inequality, poverty and unemployment, but reminded women of their strength: “Why can’t women empower themselves? You don’t have to wait for someone to bless you. Just believe in yourself, that you can pass the module, you can take up space, you can change your circumstances.”

Given Mhlanga, master’s candidate in population studies, expressed concern that government strategies remain inadequate in raising awareness about women’s

inclusion in leadership. “If the government cannot educate the public on women’s inclusion in strategic positions, activism will continue to decline,” he said.

As Women’s Month draws to a close, women on campus are reminded that while much ground still needs to be covered before gender equity is achieved, much progress has been made since 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings nearly 70 years ago.

Dr Tumelo Thiba, the Electoral Commission’s North West provincial electoral officer

Dr Salphinah Vuloyimuni Ubisi, a senior lecturer in Public Administration and Local Government.

Students listening attentively during the Women's Month event.