What's New in the News: South African Edition

What's New in the News: South African Edition - Women Are Still Fighting — The Battles Just Differ

Williams-de Bruyn reflected on the past battles women have won, and the ones we're still fighting.

Addressing teachers and pupils from various schools at Friday’s Women's Day event, Williams-de Bruyn reflected on the past battles women have won, and the ones we’re still fighting.

While she elaborated on how different life for a woman was back then compared to today, she also drew parallels between the fight against apartheid and the current battle against gender-based violence (GBV), emphasizing the alarming statistics of femicide, rape and domestic violence.

"Women back then were fighting a completely different battle to the one we face today. Back then, we were fighting for our rights. [Today], it is unacceptable that women and children are not safe in their own homes, communities, and country," she said.

"Just as we fought against the injustices of apartheid, we must fight against the injustices of GBV. We must recognise the inherent worth and dignity of every human being, regardless of gender," said Williams-de Bruyn.

With passion and conviction, Williams-de Bruyn shared her experiences as a young woman fighting against apartheid injustices.

Recounting the historic Women’s March on August 9, 1956, she said it had been an overwhelming success, with women from all parts of the country flocking to the Union Buildings in a determined, yet orderly manner.

"If those 20,000 women, back in 1956 had not marched to the Union Buildings, women today may not be living the lives they live today. I am not going to stand here and say I was not scared because I was. I was 18 years old at the time, but we found courage in numbers."

"I was so inspired by Williams-de Bruyn’s story. She showed us that we too can make a difference, no matter how small we may feel," said Tshabalala.

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