Women are viewed as the fairer sex, yet their strength is unrivaled when it comes to their family, career and personality. Author, William Golding once said, “I think women are foolish to pretend they are equal to men; they are far superior and always have been.”
These words echo truth, as South Africans celebrate Women’s Month this August. But, how did Women’s Month come into being?
The month came into being after 20 000 African women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 9 August 1956. Their mission a simple one. These women marched to petition against the ‘pass laws’ which required black South Africans to carry an internal passport to go into certain areas. Standing against racial segregation, their actions play an iconic role in South Africa.
Also read: Leaving no girl behind in the search of equality
Did you know this about women?
- In Algeria, women make up of 70 per cent of the country’s lawyers and 60 per cent of the judges. In fact, women also dominate the country’s medical field. They also contribute more to the household income than their male counterparts.
- When Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of America, she only allowed female journalists at her press conferences. Why? Because this way, newspaper agencies would be forced to hire more women.
- In Albania there are a group of women called burneshas. What makes them special? They live celibate lives and live as men, totally void of social restrictions.
- Mary, the Queen of Scots, is the first woman recorded to play golf in Scotland.
- Due to the higher production of oestrogen, girls mature approximately two years quicker than boys.
- In Northern Africa there is a nomad Tuareg people. Whereas most societies are patriarchal, this small group of people are matriarchal. The men wear veils instead of the women. Furthermore, majority of the women are literate where the men are illiterate.
- Women speak approximately 20 000 words a day, where men speak about 13 000 words less.
- Women are also responsible for several inventions. The following are some of the inventions:
- Kevlar, the fibre used for bullet proof vests and body armour by Stephanie Kwolek.
- Monopoly by Elizabeth Magie.
- Stem cell isolation by Ann Tsukamoto.
- The home security system by Marie van Brittan Brown.
- Dishwasher by Josephine Cochrane.
- Windscreen wiper by Mary Anderson.
Celebrating Women’s Month this August, be sure to remember everything your mother, wife and sister do for you.
From all of the team here at the Newcastillian, cheers to woman around SA and the world! You are amazing, appreciated and beautiful!
Spoiler alert: The Newcastillian’s next issue (issue 7) will be hosting a woman’s feature! Be sure to look out for it!
Also read: Women light their inner fire
