Reflecting on the strength of women and their societal contributions were the themes the Durban University of Technology’s Gender Forum focused on during its annual women’s day celebration held on Friday, 11 August 2017, at the hotel school restaurant.

Themed: “Be bold for change”, the celebration was attended by a variety of women from different walks of life. The Gender Forum’s annual women’s day celebration is part of the many initiatives by the forum and the University, to empower women through sharing experiences and information.

Welcoming their guests, Gender Forum chairperson, Dr Rosaline Govender, said the gathering was one of the many empowering platforms for women. Dr Govender emphasised that empowered women should invest in others. She encouraged the delegates to share their skills, resources and time to uplift others. She added that although South Africa was celebrating women during the month of August, statistics revealed that there is an increase in the violence against women and children. She said that the government and society needed to be more proactive in protecting women and children. She reminded the delegates that they were strong and bold and must not allow themselves to be oppressed at home or at work.

Further adding to what Dr Govender said, was the keynote speaker, Director of St Martins’ Children’s Home, Ishara Poodhum, who encouraged women to support each other and to also get out of their comfort zones.

Poodhum shared her experiences on how working in a male dominated sector at the Department of Correctional Services assisted her in getting out of her comfort zone and realising her potential which worked in her favour with getting promotions. Poodhum also spoke of her journey between juggling work, her studies and family life.

“In all that we do we must not focus on the challenge but be bold for change, we must not be reluctant to improve ourselves. We must never stop creating opportunities for ourselves where there aren’t any,” said Poodhum.
Poet and author, Mbalenhle Xulu recited her poems from her recent publication, “The Undying Spirit if a Woman.” Thula Masondo, HIV/AIDs activist and advocate for Human Rights was also a special guest and mesmerised the audience with her beautiful songs.

Pictured: Lindiwe Mtsweni (Gender Forum secretary), Mbalenhle Xulu (author), Dr Rosaline Govender (Gender Forum chairperson), Thula Masondo (HIV/AIDS activist and advocate for Human Rights), Esther Joubert (Gender Forum deputy chairperson) and Ishara Poodhun (St Martins Children’s home director).

Mbuso Kunene