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This year National Women’s Day celebrations in Johannesburg South took the form of a Conference hosted by DAWN (Democratic Alliance Women’s Network) of Joburg South. Over 150 mostly women gathered at the Marist Brothers Marion College in Linmeyer in a celebratory mood. A number of issued that confront South African women today was discussed.

Manny de Freitas, Member of Parliament for Johannesburg South, welcomed* everyone and declared the Conference open. Speakers included a young woman who is also a DA Youth leader, Nazley Khan Sharif who spoke from her perspective as a young woman. She expressed enthusiasm over the fact that the Democratic Alliance is the fastest growing unifying force that is uniting all South Africans from all communities.

Local DAWN Leader and Committee member, Nomsa Guennoun expressed her pride at being a woman and how it is women that havemade positive changes and contributions in the past. In the DA women will contribute and make South Africa better, she said. She motivated the crowd present and ensured that the day was indeed one of celebration.

One of the guest speakers was Cllr Dot Corrigan who started her political career in the constituency when she first stood for office in the 2000 Elections. She spoke about how good it was to go back to her “political roots” in Johannesburg South.

DAWN Gauteng Provincial Leader, Cllr Suzanne Clarke said that it is women in our history and women today that are shaping and changing South Africa for the better. She spoke about the on-going suffering that women continue to endure in society and how this needed to be addressed. Issues such as maintenance for single mothers and unemployment amongst women continues to be the plight especially of poorer women. However, it was DAWN that was addressing these and other issues on a daily basis.

A number of items of entertainment were enjoyed by all present which included a dance item by the DA Youth dance group as well as a rap song written and performed by young people praising women. Even a clown was present to entertain everyone.

Lunch and socialising ended off a wonderful day paying tribute to women.