Women can help change the status quo if they embrace their feminine strengths.
This is was one of several sentiments expressed by speakers at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) Women's Day Celebration. The annual event, themed “Against all odds" saw several influential women share their experiences and their journey to success.
Among the keynote guest speakers at the event were Mrs Vuyiseka Dubula-Majola, Aids activist and Director: Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management at SU; Prof Josephine Musango, SA-AFRICA-UK Trilateral SARChI Chair in Mainstreaming Gender for Energy Security in Poor Urban Environments, School of Public Leadership; Dr Mamphela Ramphele, former activist and Vice-Chancellor of UCT; and Ms Colette Clark, Deputy Director-General: Research and Policy Analysis, Department of Public Service and Administration.
Dr Mamphela Ramphele said the world would be a much better place if there were more female leaders.
“Our ability to manage our emotions, especially under pressure is a measure of our capacity to lead ourselves and lead others," said Ramphele.
“Women across generations have been socialised to be the anchors of essential human relationships and have helped ensure the survival of humanity as a species. The future belongs to those who nurture their emotional intelligence. And a more feminine style of leadership is the way of the future."
Vuyiseka Dubula-Majola said more needed to be done by everyone to stop the generational inequality that was still happening among women.
“We still have big odds against us, because freedom has not yet been achieved in my time for everyone. The generations after us deserve better. We are all compelled to lead struggles wherever we find ourselves and resist against harassment and sexism against women," said Majola.
Prof Josephine Musango also believes the fight against inequality should be everyone's but she also believes that individuals should learn to take chances and develop themselves first, so they can help others in return.
During her speech, she emphasised the importance of women taking care of themselves mentally, spiritually and physically, instead of just chasing success. “It's important to trust the process. When you learn to develop yourself, you can learn to develop someone else. We need to realise that we are more than our success and shouldn't let it define us alone," said Musango.
Like Ramphele and Majola, Ms Colette Clark believes that a change in traditional leadership is necessary.
Clark emphasised the importance of understanding your purpose in life, especially for women who wanted to effect change in society. “A woman knows that she has the capacity to lead the pack. Despite all the challenges women face, we can still make a difference and bring forth the change we want to see in this world," said Clark.
Organiser of the event, Prof Pregala Pillay, EMS Vice-Dean: Social Impact and Transformation, said this year's theme was an important one for South African women who still faced many barriers at this time in our country.
“We have made remarkable strides, but there is still a long road ahead. We are still confronted with this series of barriers and obstacles like; patriarchy, poverty, violations of rights, freedoms, exclusion, discrimination, sexual violence, gender biased, inequalities and alike. At the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, we are committed to giving a resounding voice to the development and progression of gender diversity and equity. This event is a hallmark of our energy and vibrancy to acknowledge the contributions and celebrate women's month," said Pillay.
Click here to watch the speeches from last year's EMS Women's Month event.
Photo by Anton Jordaan.
