“You strike a woman, you strike a rock,” were the words that showed the courage and strength of a multicultural crowd of about 20,000 women, led by Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams, who marched on the Union Buildings in Pretoria, on August 9, 1956, to peacefully protest against the unjust apartheid pass laws of the time.
The march was a resounding success and August 9 was declared a public holiday – National Women’s Day – inaugurated in 1994, along with a free democratic South Africa. In the words of Mark Twain “We are asked what men would be without women, scarce sir, very scarce.”
The holy Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said, “Heaven lies under the feet of your mother.” The Prophet (PBUH) also said, “Best among you is one who is best to his wife.”
The Laudium Sun joins Hillside Primary educators; Maleka Maria, Rabia Dawood, Theshalia Padiachy, Desiree Pakade and Ramatsimele Connykupa in wishing all women; mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, a wonderful and relaxing Women’s Day, this coming Tuesday. ‘Never forget how special you are. Just be yourself and no matter what, don’t ever let anyone lower your self-esteem’.
