By Akinyemi Precious
The Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa has celebrated Women at it’s National Women’s Day celebration 2023.
The event which took place at Radisson Blu Anchorage, Victoria Island recently hosted women from various spheres who were at the top of their games.
Every year in August marks Women’s Month, when tribute is paid to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 09 August 1956 in protest against Pass Laws. However,This year marks 67 years since the watershed 1956 women’s march which was one of the largest demonstrations staged in the country’s history.
The Consulate’s National Women’s Day event focused on Women’s Empowerment by focusing on holistic empowerment of women by having informative and interactive sessions on wellness. The sessions included information and educating women on reproductive health, mental health, financial advice, fashion, and beauty by specialists in each sector.
The event had varieties of talks that involved the improvement,care and the growth of women.Amongst the presentations were documentary tributes to Nelson Mandela’s late wife,Winnie Madikizela Mandela, Women’s Health Wellness talk by Euracare Lead Physician,Dr Busola Ayelowo, Mental Health Discussions by Mental Health Advocate,Dr Maymunah Kadiri, Financial Wellness talk by Head of Women Banking,Access Bank,Mrs Abiodun Olubitan, Fashion Industry and a woman’s representation by CEO of Ihekubi Lagos,Kubi Igwe and a representative from Beauty and Spa Studio,Mom and I.
The South African Consulate in Lagos,Sebo Lenyai in her words with Nigerian Newsdirect while talking about the importance of the event mentioned that, “The world is our oyster,we have so much to look forward to and there are various opportunities for us that have been created in different sectors for us to dominate.”
She advocated that women should intensify in letting their voices to be heard as steps are being taken towards Gender Equity and not equality .She expressed the desire to see another Female African President apart from Ellen Sirleaf Johnson. “It’s in our hands,let Women rise, let women achieve and Advance.”she said.
CEO of Iroko group,Ayanda Carter,a South African Woman who established her business in Nigeria said that women need not only to motivate each other, but also tell their stories, get to hear the stories of others.
“Globally,we should notice each other,not only to notice but to realize what we have done over the years, where it is we are going and how we need to get there.This is the time to recognize ourselves, recognize the goodness that we created and be able to expand into the future.”
CEO of Ihekubi Lagos,Kubi Igwe mentioned that well being is an all round approach which cuts across all aspects of life.She explained that it was necessary to make adjustments in all aspects which the event stands for.”We must be curious enough to go after the event s that help us get better”.
Head of Women Banking,Access Bank,Mrs Abiodun Olubitan who expounded on the great benefits and opportunities that banking has for women said, “When they say a well organized man is a woman,it is what it is.It is important to keep reminding ourselves as women the strength that we have as women.bThe opportunities are out there.Go out there and takes what belongs to you.” She admonished.
Another CEO,Chioma, a participant mentioned that the input of Women’s empowerment and women’s issues and tackling it head on can’t be underestimated.