To commemorate Women’s Day, OFM News asked women around Central SA to share their views on whether they feel empowered and motivated to pursue their dreams.

Noxolo Kapa said she works in the public health sector, where senior management positions are mostly occupied by women and most of her colleagues are educated women, motivating her to follow her dreams.

‘Women have come so far’

“But I think it depends on the industry one works in. Overall, I believe that women have come so far and have worked so hard to try to bridge all the gaps despite the challenges we face. I would like to say to any woman reading this, you go sis! I see you and I’m proud of you.”

“I want to encourage women this Women’s Day to follow your dreams, persist until you succeed and never give up on what you believe in,” said Candy Smith. “There’s this belief that men are favoured in the corporate sector. Well, I can tell you that when you work hard and prove yourself, you too will be recognised!”

On 9 August 1956, more than 20,000 South African women marched on the Union Buildings in protest against the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act of 1950, commonly referred to as the "pass laws".

Motshidi Masego said she felt women are more motivated and empowered to run the world. “I say that because I am one of those women, I am empowered and motivated to get my dreams. The world might have favoured men before, but women now have more access than before.”

‘As a woman, you need to reclaim your power’

“I would like to say women must take it upon themselves to empower each other, to reclaim their positions,” said Senne Bogatsu. ”As a woman, you need to reclaim your power and remind yourself who you are in life. We were all meant to archive our goals in life. Never let anyone dictate who you are.”

Afika Nobaza said she believed women have always been motivated to follow their dreams. “But they were blocked by patriarchy and misogyny. Things are improving in the corporate world but I am tired of seeing titles with ‘first woman executive’ or the ‘only woman executive member’. I need more of us to climb up.”

The common thread throughout all demonstrations in the run up to the march on the Union Buildings in Pretoria was a clear message of peace and unity amongst those protesting, while declaring war on the enemy that was apartheid.

Bokang Motlhakoane said there had been significant growth towards gender equality, but some spaces still undermine women. “Previously, women had to fight to get jobs; now we are fighting for higher opportunities and to get paid the same as men do – even though we have the same skills, same experience and qualification. In my view, women are not supported in leadership positions because they are viewed as nurturers more than leaders.”

‘It is up to us to make sure we take space’

Bulelwa Moikwatlhai felt empowered to pursue her dreams in her personal and professional life. “I come from a family of independent women who followed their dreams, and that foundation has made me who I am today. In my journey of life, I have been blessed with a support system that encourages, celebrates, and appreciates growth.”

“We have women in different sectors that are leading, and these are women that did not wait for the environment to be perfect,“ said Busisiwe Maile. “They went in there making moves and winning. Because of those women, we start to understand that spaces might not be perfect, but it is up to us to make sure we take space and make our presences felt, also motivate the younger girls.”

OFM News