Happy International Women’s Day

Women should be celebrated everyday for the work they do in their communities. The idea of an International Women’s Day was suggested in 1910, however it wasn’t until 1975 that the United Nations started to acknowledge and celebrate the day. This day gives us an opportunity to celebrate the amazing women in our communities, who are touching lives and making a difference. That being said, women are faced with the epidemic of Gender - based Violence, inequalities, lack of equal access to information. And Deaf women are still facing lack of access to Sign Language interpreting services in the primary health care sector. As we celebrate this day, let’s remember the women who endure the daily challenges of equitable access, unemployment, poverty and violence. This year’s theme is so relevant to the current status of women's equality, women in the disability sector, private and public sector.

As the Tshepiso Mokoena Foundation, we #ChoosetoChallenge the big corporates to afford women equal opportunities. The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals aims at addressing the gaps and challenges related to the advancement of gender equality and women’s rights. The roadmap over the next nine years is clearly that we must work towards the following goals:

• Inclusive development, shared prosperity, and decent work

• Poverty eradication, social protection, and social services

• Freedom from violence, stigma, and stereotypes

• Participation, accountability, and gender-responsive institutions

• Peaceful and inclusive societies

• Environmental conservation, climate action, and resilience-building

To ensure that these goals become a reality globally, commitment and dedication from all should be a prioirity. This day should be celebrated by reporting on the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals. Let us celebrate the queens who are making change and #ChoosetoChallenge the status quo. Happy International Women’s Day.

I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fears; knowing what must be done does away with fear. Rosa Parks