Celebrate Women’s Day with Iziko Museums and the Women Lead Movement
For media images and interview requests, please contact: Zikhona Jafta at mediaofficer@iziko.org.za
On Tuesday, 9 August 2022, Iziko Museums of South Africa, in collaboration with the Women Lead Movement and Official Brand South Africa, will commemorate Women’s Day with an interactive public engagement.
Hosted at the Iziko Slave Lodge, the programme will include a tour of three exhibitions – Red in the Rainbow, Singing Freedom and Aluta Continua – that highlight the role of women in the fight against apartheid.
The programme will also feature interactive conversations and discussions on thematic topics such as the role of women in politics and leadership; economic empowerment; combating femicide and gender-based violence, health and survival as well as the role of women in strengthening communities. The event will bring together women from diverse backgrounds across Cape Town to share their challenges, experiences and solutions in dealing with the most pressing issues confronting women in South Africa today.
“South Africa is often lauded as a country with the most progressive Constitution and laws to advance gender equality and women’s rights however the reality on the ground is a clear indication that we still have a long road ahead to deal with the systemic and structural inequalities women are still subjected to in society. They continue to face relentless exclusion, prejudice and discrimination driven by toxic social, cultural and religious norms which must be entirely eradicated. Women Lead Movement as a grassroots feminist movement believes in the power of collaboration and partnerships in dealing with these pervasive challenges and it is a privilege to join hands with Iziko Museums South Africa and Brand South Africa who are committed to the fight for gender equality. We look forward to many more progressive programmes to impact and transform the lives of women from all walks of life,” says Melene Rossouw – Founding Director – Women Lead Movement.
This commemoration comes at a time when museums are transforming into sites of inter- and intra-generational conversations and dialogues – demonstrating the vital role museums play as locations of engagement and cultural diplomacy.
“Iziko remains driven to transform our sites through our research and curatorial practices, as well as our outreach and educational programmes. And in collaborating with the Women Lead Movement and Official Brand South Africa, we believe our work, the work of museums, can reach a broader audience and have a greater impact. Iziko looks forward to this Women’s Day public engagement and the museum’s contribution to finding and enacting solutions to the many issues facing South African women today,” says Ms Rooksana Omar, CEO, Iziko Museums of South Africa.
For more information about the programme, please contact Dr Wandile Kasibe at wkasibe@iziko.org.za or on 021 481 3804.
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On 9 August, 1956, over 20 000 women of South Africa, of different diversity, led a protest march to Pretoria to oppose the apartheid laws that were designed to undermine the dignity of the black majority. Women’s Day pays special tribute to these women, and to all women who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of all.
Visit the Iziko South African Museum, the Iziko Slave Lodge and the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum for *FREE on Women’s Day – Tuesday, 9 August 2022. *Excludes the Planetarium and Digital Dome, the Castle of Good Hope, Groot Constantia, and museum closed on Tuesdays or for renovation and repair.
