Women, Culture and Tradition - commemorating Women's Month

19 August 2021

The Diplomatic Society and the South African Princess Network in commemoration of Women’s Month hosted a webinar titled ‘Women, Culture and Tradition - National and Global practices, unpacking Gender Based Violence’.

The webinar was expertly facilitated and guided by Princess Lerato Mabalane with Princess Stella Sigcau welcoming guests and Kirtan Bhana concluding the discussion. And In between was an intriguing, enlightening discussion by the panelists about subjects varying from how traditional, cultural practices affect gender, the role of colonialism in oppression, suppression and violence, the role of legislature, the part played by women in oppression especially as regards cultural practices, the importance of language and communication, entitlement, re-education, the similarities of gender issues experienced all around the globe, and a huge array of other thought-provoking issues.

The panellists included Princess Yanga Dumalisile, Princess Celenhle Dlamini Nyirenda from the Eswatini Kingdom, Prince Zolile Burns Ncamashe, Member of Parliament of South Africa, Verena Gauthier, Founder: Impuls Interactiv in Switzerland, Santou Dabo from the Embassy of Guinea, Sonya Koppe from the Australian High Commission, Dr Srimal Fernando who offered a Sri Lankan perspective.

Josina Machel, Founder of Kuhluka Movement and daughter of Samora and Graca Machel gave a heartbreaking account of being assaulted by her partner which resulted in her losing an eye, the reluctance of medical staff to assist her in Maputo and that she is yet to receive justice.

Nkosikazi Nomandla Mhlauli, Acting Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders of South Africa shared her wealth of knowledge and wisdom on gender based matters.