Imbokodo. Women Icons

In this wonderful women’s month, we take this opportunity to honor all the struggle Icons that sacrificed their well being for every women in South Africa to live an equal and unoppressed life.

The women who not only leaned in, but faced the whips and the teargas, for us to enjoy the public holiday however we may choose.

On 9 August 1956, more than 20 000 South African women of all races marched to Pretorias union buildings in defense of the pass laws. They challenged the idea that a women belonged in the kitchen, and instead proclaimed that women belonged everywhere. Who were the women that organized and led them? Ma Lillian Ngoyi, Ma Helen Joseph, Ma Rahima Moosa, Ma Sophia Williams, Ma Albertina Sisulu and Ma Dora Tamana amongst many others.

Together they formed the foundation of the Federation of South Africa women, responsible for organizing one of the biggest protest marches in this counrys history. They were political activits and trade unionists, domestic workers, mothers and wives. They endured extended periods of banning orders, faced detention without trial and spent much time in solitary confinement.

Lets not belittle the tremendous sacrifices they made for all of us who live in a free and democratic South Africa. Lets celebrate their names like the true heroes they are for our country.