As I am writing this I am airborne. Yes 37000 feet above sea level. Those that know me well will know what this means given my fear of flying.
Be that as it may I am cruising at 37 000 feet and decided to confront my fears and write this short piece to the sisters out there as a word of encouragement and affirmation. The desire to celebrate at the moment far outweighs the fear and as I am happy to embrace the moment and forget about my daily struggles and jot something down in women’s honour.
We are celebrating women’s month and regardless of the issues that face women today and society today e.g. femicide, increasing trend of under representation in key structures of political parties, rising unemployment and economic hardships etc. I still believe that this is a momentous occasion. Women still need to be being celebrated for their efforts and bravery across the length and breadth of our country. The other motivation for writing this piece is to join South Africans in honouring a struggle veteran, Ma Albertina Sisulu – who through their struggles and selfless commitment to bring about change and make the world a better place to live for current and future generations.
It is a moment of celebration whilst acknowledging the reversal of some of our gains in society. It is a moment of stepping forward whilst acknowledging our vulnerability. (Noting that showing vulnerability is a sign of strength and has more to do with being human than being weak). It is a moment of expressing concern whilst acknowledging the victories and gallant strides of our forebears. More importantly it is a moment to reflect whilst recalibrating our bright bright future.
Our future is bright and not less rocky though. Women have done it before and we can stand tall and say that history is on our side but only if we step up to the plate. It is a bright future but only if we face our fears and rise to the occasion. It is a future alive with possibilities only if we don’t delegate what it poses on us and urging us to march ahead. It is a time for sisterhood; young and old to stand up and be counted.
I want to use this time to honour my mothers; sisters and forebears to remember that the 9th of August 1956 was a historic moment. It defined history and it propelled us to move forward and never look back. As a result, no matter what we should all stand up and say forward ever and continue to change the South African political and economic landscape.
As we celebrate Women’s month I would like to raise my hand and be counted. I would like to foster sisterhood. I would like to stand alongside my sisters( young and old) and say if it’s gonna be then it’s up to me. I raise my hand and I say “Count me in” not because it’s women’s month but because history calls on me to rise and shine and contribute to a brighter future for all women regardless of age; race; occupation; sexual orientation or religion.
This month I am in and I am marching forward to a rewarding and bright future. I commit to sisterhood; girls support and advancing our noble cause. More importantly I commit to love and dedication. Love for humanity and dedication to change the status quo and work towards a better world.
In honour of Ma Sisulu’s efforts and other mothers like Winnie Madikizela Mandela and in the spirit of Thuma Mina I have decided to set aside the 29th of August as a day of “free mentoring session” for women leaders. All you need to do is indicate your interest at info@zenandeleadership.com or call 012 998 7337 to book your slot. On this day I will be working with women leaders who have immediate challenges or burning issues to share or help navigate and work one on one to try and resolve these or agree on an approach. I am super excited about this opportunity and should you want to take me up on it….you know what to do.
Happy Women’s Month
So profound Pam. … thank you I shall RSVP accordingly
Thanks looking forward. Have a super day
So profound Pam. … thank you I shall RSVP accordingly
Wow, this is a great social investment initiative. Are you going to do it virtually?
Yes will do it virtually and the form will depend on the level of interest
Wow well written and indeed so profound we as women needs this empowerment and inspiration. ✊????????lets join hands as women and make our mark. Will definitely need this motivational and mentoring session in our work place. I will advise when our womens day event will be and it will be a honor to have you as one of those mentoring coaches.????????
Great…..’Count me in”
Wow this is powerful Pam, thanks for the beautiful reminder of our worth as women. Count me in, I would love to attend the coaching session.
Thanks I will contact you for details. I have your number
Wow. Well done. Congratulations. Thank you.
Unfortunately I will be in Tzaneen in my father’s village of NWAMITWA to mark the 10th anniversary of NWAMITWA day bu that phenomenal woman Hosi NWAMITWA II and former MP.
Wow. That is such an achievement
Woow Pam sisi well done. I am interested
Thanks and please contact the office at 012 998 7337
Dear Madam
Thank you for such a profound piece. I
This is a great reminder that we need each other. It is not just a reminder of the challenges faced by women but a clear remider that there is more work to be done to liberate women. The gender based violence and continued discrimination against women demands that we stand up and fight for our freedom. Wathintabafazi wathintimbokokodo!
I am very passionate about this area of women emancipation done in anyway possible.You know Pam I am always in support of the program.I pray that I be one of those women who would be counted in on that day!