A gathering at Joza’s Nombulelo Hall has led to the creation of a women’s forum which includes representatives from the Congress of the People (Cope), the Unemployed People’s Movement (UPM), Sakhuluntu and Rhodes University.
A gathering at Joza’s Nombulelo Hall has led to the creation of a women’s forum which includes representatives from the Congress of the People (Cope), the Unemployed People’s Movement (UPM), Sakhuluntu and Rhodes University.
UPM convenor Ayanda Kota said the organisation wanted to have a debate where women could talk about issues that affect them, and develop solutions or ways to overcome those issues. The event which was organised by the UPM formed part of national Women’s Day celebrations.
Kota said UPM had invited representatives from local political formations including the ANC, Congress of the People (Cope) and Azapo, but only Cope arrived.
Addressing delegates of all ages, mostly women, Rhodes University Politics lecturer, Dr Sally Matthews told the gathering that it was not enough to ensure that women were represented in structures of power.
“We also need to change the structures of power in such a way that women are able to feel comfortable and confident in using those structures for their advantage,” she said.
Matthews said it is necessary to emphasise that women can only be truly empowered when they are empowered at home and at work.
“Many powerful and influential women remain in relationships in which they are abused or undermined,” she said.
“I have sat in many meetings where men and women are equally represented at the meeting, but the women in the meeting do not speak.”
Disempowered
Kota said it is important for women to organise themselves to face the challenges of living in a patriarchal society.
“[Women’s Day] marks the historic gallant struggle for the emancipation of our people, and that struggle was led solely by women who came from all corners of our country,” Kota explained.
Cope representative Nozipho Plaatjie said that while there are many laws that protect women, in reality they are still being raped and abused.
“The question we must ask ourselves is, do these structures serve the interests of women?” argued Plaatjie.
She added that women tend to be jealous of other successful women.
“We label the women who are in power, and say they got those positions after engaging in sexual favours,” she said.
She also urged women to speak out against rape and abuse.
“We say nothing when these crimes take place, instead in courts we support the very same people who are charged with rape,” she warned.
Sakhuluntu Arts and Cultural group entertained the audience with drums and drama that depicted the significance of the day.
The new women’s forum consists of Nozipho Plaatjie, Zukiswa Mhlwatika both from Congress of the People (Cope), Fundiswa Dyaloyi and Fikiswa Maqanda from the Unemployed Peoples Movement (UPM), Nomphelo Nqayi of Sakhuluntu and Sally Matthews from Rhodes University.
Contact Nozipho Plaatjie 0723809770 for more information.
