Beautiful, strong and courageous women from different walks of life gathered at the City of Johannesburg’s old Council Chambers on Thursday night, 19 August 2021, to celebrate Women’s Month.

The engagement was to reflect on the brave women who transformed the lives of women in 1956 by protesting against unjust laws.

The City honoured women through the theme “I AM”, meaning I am Strong, I am invincible and I am a woman, which is closely linked to the national theme of “The year of Charlotte Maxeke”.

The engagement was to address challenges such as abuse, teenage pregnancy, unemployment and the gender inequalities that exist within the work environment  that limit a women’s growth.

The importance of inclusivity was emphasised as an important key principle that unites women that every women is a leader and has a role to play within the society no matter what social standards they hold.

The Speaker of Council in the City of Joburg, Cllr Nonceba Molwele, said: “We celebrate women from all walks of life at grassroots level who are change levels.”

MMC of Health and Social Development Eunice Mgcina said the establishment of a satellite station in Orange Farm will directly assist victims of gender-based violence. “Survivors of gender-based violence face a second trauma by not being able to access help when they need it we are intensifying urgent responses such as our crisis line and access to medical treatment, legal services and therapy. The City will also provide programmes in collaboration with NGOs to target men with issues such as emotional and physical violence to get help.”

Women were reminded about their worth and how important it is to put themselves first by walking away from relationships that are painful in order to be happy and have a better version of themselves.

The newly appointed Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance in the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe, said: “Nothing propels you by staying in an abusive relationship. Let us as women take charge of our lives.”