ANOLENE THANGAVELU PILLAY
Women’s Day marks the emergence of a transformative blueprint in the heart of human connections.
This design thrives as a tribute to the pioneers. It is rooted in the soil of women’s collective wisdom which has fearlessly forged new paths – empowering us to rise. Their contribution to the essence of humankind as visionaries and pioneers has been phenomenal. By pioneering new directions, they have offered beacons of hope to others by shining with their inner power.
This year, Women’s Day aims to honour past triumphs, encourage development and emphasise the need to educate and shape the upcoming generations.
For generations, South African women have faced discrimination, inequality and oppression. But, what if we could create a world where women are valued, supported, and empowered to craft a more inclusive and equitable future? We could rewrite this narrative where their presence is felt, their power is harnessed and their legacy is forever etched in the bedrock of our society.
For far too long, women have been confined by societal norms, backward laws and deep-seated injustices. Their voices have been silenced, their potential suppressed and their contributions marginalised by the crushing weight of patriarchal systems.
At the heart of this transformation lies a profound concept: the power of a woman. This power is a unique inner blueprint, hidden beneath societal expectations and cultural norms. It is a custom-designed profile of strengths, passions and values waiting to be discovered and celebrated. It is a burning flame that fuels a journey towards equality, justice and freedom. With every empowered decision, it reshapes the world.
In this time of societal evolution where we strive for equality, women serve as pivotal role models inspiring the future generation to confront barriers fearlessly and pursue their passions unapologetically.
As they embody resilience, intelligence and compassion demonstrating that leadership knows no gender. Yet, paradoxically, while women are increasingly recognised for their contributions, societal expectations often still confine them to traditional roles.
This contradiction highlights the ongoing struggle for true empowerment, as we celebrate women’s achievements we must also confront the limitations imposed by outdated norms. Ultimately, the journey towards gender equality is a triumph and a challenge – an evolving narrative where every women’s story shapes a brighter future.
We are shaping the next generation by reframing the narrative of courage, resilience and triumph. In the face of adversity women have demonstrated remarkable inner strength, anchoring themselves in self-love and determination.
However, raising the next generation of leaders begins at home. By sharing our stories and values with our children, we can inspire them to acquire emotional intelligence to become more confident and self-aware. Now is the moment to empower our children to make smart decisions about their future, unlocking their full potential and creative leadership.
As they grow, let us guide them in shaping their careers, choosing a healthy lifestyle and making informed reproductive choices. By doing so, we’ll raise a generation of innovative thinkers, creative problem-solvers and bold change makers.
Our world can be positively innovative by young girls becoming confident and courageous architects of their future and creators of their destiny, if we guide them accordingly – a new generation of innovators who are dedicated to being a cut above – where women’s empowerment is not just a hash-tag but a real-life experience.
The narratives of women who have forged new paths serve as templates for the children of tomorrow and redefines success by modelling a lifestyle that prioritises education and digital literacy, a crucial skill for today. The strength of women lies in their ability to uplift one another, focusing on ‘power through’ and ‘power with’ rather than exerting ‘power over’, to dominate another.
As we celebrate Women’s Day, acknowledge that it is our collective responsibility to uplift one another, unite in the pursuit of equality and shine bright so that others may shine brighter. Our choices today can set the foundation for a more equitable tomorrow whether it be through innovative thinking, passionate activism or entrepreneurial ventures. Our efforts to nurture, empower and shape the children of today will pave the way to a future where gender equality is not beyond a fantasy, it is an attainable reality.
In the wake of this, what kind of legacy will you leave behind for others to follow on the world’s timeline? Will your legacy inspire others to break barriers and challenge norms? Will compassion be the foundation ensuring that all voices are heard and valued? Or perhaps it will be defined by resilience, demonstrating that perseverance in the face of adversity can lead to transformative change? As we reflect on our individual contributions, let us bend our minds to craft a legacy that not only uplifts those around us but also ignites a passion in the souls of future generations.
Anolene Thangavelu Pillay is a Psychology Advisor.
Daily News