In celebration of Africa Month, the City of Johannesburg’s Office of the Chair of Chairs hosted a Women of Influence event under the theme “Women Leading the Healing and Restoration of Africa” on Saturday, 14 May 2022.

The City’s Chair of Chairs, Cllr Colleen Makhubele explained that Africa day marks the beginning of a quest for the unity of the continent. It also celebrates Africa Month in the context of socio-economic emancipation; political cooperation, as well as women empowerment and the central role they continue to play in the restoration and repositioning of our continent.

The Chair of Chairs engaged in a robust and honest discussion on the restoration and repositioning of the African continent with about 100 delegates at the event.

“In view of various acts of hostility and unrest among Africans, it is important for us as women to take the lead in bridging the gap of engagements towards healing and restoration within and among the nations,” said Cllr Makhubele.

“Women who work in the informal sector are in greater risk of losing their jobs. This is why we find ourselves here, they have no social protection to cushion the impact of this ship. Even if when we do manage to keep our jobs, schools and daycare closures force us to juggle work, child care and schooling responsibilities,” said Chairperson for Corporate and Shared Services Committee, Cllr Carin van der Schyff.

“Women are essential asset and no country can achieve its full potential as long as the vast differences persist between men and women. To combat gender inequality, policies in favour of girls have to be implemented and women’s equality has to be promoted,” added Van der Schyff.

Africa Month also seeks to increase the appreciation and demand for arts and culture, goods and services and to stimulate competitive markets for trade among African countries.

To achieve the above, Cllr Makhubele extended an invitation to other influential leaders from different walks of life and various countries in Africa. This will bring diversity to the discussions and enrich the possible solutions of bringing about healing and restoration.

According to Section 79 Committee Oversight on Governance Chairperson Cllr Sarah Wissler, most women in different parts of Africa still face discrimination, which is something that needs to be combated. She believes that women in South Africa are strong, decisive and independent.

“Wa thinta abafazi, wa thinta imbokodo,” said Cllr Wissler.