We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead. – Beyoncé
As I lay in my hospital bed on the 9th of August, the significance of the day was not lost on me. South Africa's Women's Day, a day dedicated to honouring the strength and resilience of women, was being celebrated all around me. While I may have been half-asleep, recovering from surgery, I couldn't help but reflect on the essence of this day and the powerful symbolism it holds for women everywhere, during the few moments when I lay awake.
My thoughts turned to the profound essence of this day and the intricate tapestry that defines women. As I reflected on my journey, especially my battle with endometriosis, I marvelled at how a woman's fragility and strength intertwine, creating a remarkable narrative of empowerment. Just like a flower, a woman's journey is marked by delicacy, resilience, and beauty.
Women's Day in South Africa commemorates the remarkable courage and strength demonstrated by women on 9 August 1956. On that historic day, thousands of women from different walks of life marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the discriminatory pass laws imposed by the apartheid regime. This pivotal event ignited a spirit of unity and empowerment that continues to inspire generations of women to this day.
In South Africa, women are often referred to as "imbokodo," a Zulu term that translates to "a rock," and is often used in the saying ‘Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo!’ which means “You Strike Women, You Strike a Rock!” I've often felt that the South African adage that a woman is a "rock" is both empowering and limiting. While it acknowledges our strength, it also disregards our need for care and respect. Today, I offer an alternative analogy – a woman as a flower. A flower, while delicate, is also resilient, embodying both vulnerability and strength. I implore everyone to treat women with the same delicacy and honour we afford to flowers, recognising that strength is not solely derived from hardness.
Imagine a delicate flower swaying in the breeze, its petals vulnerable to even the gentlest touch. Similarly, a woman possesses a natural fragility, an emotional depth that allows her to empathise and connect deeply with others. Like a flower's vulnerability to external forces, a woman's sensitivity and compassion make her relatable and capable of nurturing relationships that uplift and inspire.
Yet, just as a flower's fragility belies its inner strength, so too does a woman's grace and beauty mask her incredible resilience. A flower persists through adversity, pushing through the cracks in the pavement to bloom in unexpected places. Similarly, a woman's strength lies in her ability to overcome challenges with unwavering determination, rising above obstacles to achieve her dreams.
In this light, a woman's strength is not confined to rigid steadfastness, but rather it is a fluid strength that adapts and flourishes in diverse circumstances. The analogy is not meant to undermine our strength but to emphasise the resilience that comes from our fragility. Just as a flower navigates harsh weather, a woman navigates the challenges of life. But while a flower is vulnerable, it possesses an indomitable spirit that enables it to flourish, much like the tenacity that defines womanhood.
A woman's knowledge of herself, her strength, weaknesses, health and hygiene stands as a crucial bloom in the garden of her well-being. Just as sunlight nourishes a flower, awareness of these aspects empowers her to stand strong. Yet, this knowledge remains fragile, often overshadowed by societal taboos and misinformation. We must champion open dialogue, education, and empowerment, allowing women to fully understand and embrace their bodies and their whole selves.
My personal journey battling endometriosis has given me firsthand insight into the intricate balance between fragility and strength. Enduring relentless pain, managing doctor's appointments, my job, relationshipds, and fighting to appear 'normal' are part of my everyday reality. Just as a flower stands tall despite storms, I face my battles with a smile on my face, sometimes with tears too and determination in my heart. The journey has taught me that embracing vulnerability does not weaken me; it empowers me.
In our pursuit of a more equitable world, both women and men play pivotal roles. Let us reject the misuse of our fragility or strength for ill gain. Women, let us use our empowerment to uplift and inspire, not manipulate. Men, let us be protectors, not perpetrators. The flower analogy serves as a reminder that every gender possesses unique qualities that, when combined, can create a harmonious society.
As we celebrate women's month, let us envision a future where the analogy of a flower binds us all. May it remind us to treat one another with respect, honour, and empathy, fostering a culture of mutual understanding and support. The delicate petals of a flower symbolise the beauty, strength, and resilience of women. Let us recognise that true empowerment comes from unity, integrity, and a commitment to building a better world for generations to come.
Amandla (Power)!
Signed
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