Reflections: Thinking on the transformative and inclusiveness of the Women’s Day March – 9 August 1956

Looking at the intergenerational aspects of the leadership of that day I am curious.
I am curious if this was not a good example of diversity, inclusion and transformation.
I am curious to know if this was not what standing up against oppression looked like.
I am curious to know if this did not epitomise what standing for a common cause looked like.

I look at the interpretations today and wonder.
I wonder at the meaning of all the messages I have received.
I wonder if the spirit of that day is now translated to pictures with icons of yesteryear with no spirit. Is it all about being seen with no meaning at all?

I ask, what is the meaning of this day to me?
Does it not challenge my own prejudices?
Does it not cause me to be more introspective?
Does it not compel me to just want to do a very small fraction of what those women did?

I want to be a molecule in their thoughts.
An atom in their vascular system.
A compound formed from their outlook of the events of the day.
I want to be nurtured by these women and emulate a fraction of their deeds.
I want to do my part in transformation as an agent of inclusion and diversity.
I claim their determination for myself, their courage, their bravery, their unwavering spirit of a victory that was certain even if it could not be defined.

I wonder what was their definition of victory?
This tribe of women was not about “Happy Womens Day”
This tribe was not about selfies, WhatsApp stories or any general display of affinity on social media: If that’s what qualifies as affinity.
This tribe was not about being seen.

Oh my goodness, forgive me for not responding to your well wishes on the day as I still have a month to wonder…
I salute all women who continue to uplift, support, encourage, correct, and wish others well on their path.
May we carry a tiny bit of what those women of yesteryear carried.

I am Puleng Sejanamane-Kwele