What would the world be without women? Nothing. We’re all here because of women. The woman who carried you in her womb, who took care of you while you were ill, who supported you throughout your educational career… Even now, the woman who takes care of the family while, maybe, juggling a career at the same time, the woman who sets up your business strategies, the female partner involved in your business ventures, and even the female leaders of this country… Can you imagine life without them?

Nor should you. Instead, we should celebrate them for who they are and what they do. We should honour them for their achievements, whether small or big. A small achievement can be anything from a girl building her first 1000-piece puzzle, to a young lady being nominated for The Best New Artist within her field. A big achievement can be anything from a young female taking a stand against gender-based violence to a women inspiring change in an IT environment. We need to acknowledge every single action because every fight gets women one step closer to freedom and equality.

Back in 1956

More than 60 years ago, on 9 August, about 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. They peacefully protested against legislation that required African persons to carry the ‘pass’. Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams led the protest, where they left petitions with over 100 000 signatures outside the prime minister’s door. After 30 minutes of silence, they made sure their voices were heard with a song titled, “Wathint’Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo” which translates to “Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock.”

Even though it was peaceful, it made a significant impact and National Women’s Day originated. This day reminds us of the issues women faced back then, and are still facing today: domestic violence, workplace sexual harassment, unequal pay, girls not being allowed to go to school, and no-help parenting.

Let’s celebrate our queens

The future is female, and we should celebrate our South African women in every way possible. However you choose to honour this day, ensure that the goal of creating awareness about women’s struggles and achievements is attained.

Reach out to those nearby, starting with family and friends. Acknowledge what they’re going through and offer your help. Host a virtual workshop and assist in broadening their horizons with suggested biographies of women. This will help see others’ lives and problems completely differently. Only after understanding, one can truly offer solutions.

Make them feel special with a DIY gift such as an inspirational make-up stand, a personalised coffee mug, a foldable pencil case, an adorable mason jar filled with endearing favours and candy, or a gold leaf photo holder with a picture of both of you. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more tutorials throughout the month.

Spend the day with the women in your life and reflect your gratitude for the contributions, and compromises they’ve made and are still making. Have fun and let them know they’re appreciated.

Join PNA on Women’s Day

As we celebrate all women this Women’s day and encourage all our instore queens to keep on wearing their crowns and uplifting each other throughout any challenges that they may come across, because at PNA we strongly believe that real queens fix each other’s crowns.

Join us in celebrating Women’s Month!