Music, poetry, inspirational messages and sharing knowledge were some of the features of the department of Student Counselling’s Women’s day celebration held on Thursday, 10 August 2017, at the Mansfield Hall.

Attended by both students and staff of different genders, the celebration acknowledged the role played by women in society and in their homes. Speaking on women pride and embracing one another was Dr Jabulile Ngobese-Ngubane, homoeopathy lecturer and head clinician at Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Clinic.

“It is very important to know our identity as women in order to have a better understanding of who we really are. We must embrace who we are, know our value and have a positive mindset in everything we do. I encourage women to leave a mark everywhere they go and love yourself even more,” she said.

Further alluding to the acknowledgement of self-worth and being a woman, was Acting Dean of students, Malusi Nxumalo, who said once women know their role in a man’s life and society, it was easier for them to take over any challenges and role without fear or having to go to extremes in proving their worth.

“A women’s worth is not just in her appearances, the power of a women and the role she plays in each one of our lives is remarkable. It took me a very long time to realise this but now I can attest that women are the pillar of our society. Women have the capability to lead the nation to a better world, they can drive change and create a better place for everyone of us. It is not just important for women to respect themselves but as a society, we must embrace, love, honour and respect females too,” added Nxumalo.

Director for Student Counselling, Mrs Naseem Haniff, said there was still more work needed to be done in order spread awareness against women abuse and acknowledgement of women in communities.

“People think women’s day is just a holiday, they don’t take the time to understand and enquire about the history behind the day and the month of August. We must absorb the importance of this day and of women in our society, in that way maybe we can have a bigger impact in working towards stopping women abuse and other gender based violence,” said Haniff.

The day ended with a pampering session and lunch for all the attendees.

Pictured: DUT students read out pledge on the importance of women in society

Nomfundo Ngcobo