By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – As South Africa marks the 70-year jubilee of Women’s Month, the call for women’s rights must extend to women in all their diversity, including those living with disabilities, says National Assembly member Tshegofatso Meagan Chauke Adonis.
Chauke Adonis, a member of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, told The Guard that the milestone should be used to reflect on how far the country has come while confronting the inequalities that continue to affect women.
“As a young African woman with a disability living with blindness, when we speak about women’s rights, we must speak about inclusivity within that,” she said.
She said women could not be treated as a homogenous group, arguing that their different experiences based on race, geographical location, demographic background and ability must be recognised.
“We must see the cross-intersectionality within the rights of women. We must see the empowerment of women in their diversity,” she said.
“There shall not be any woman who is left behind.”
Chauke Adonis said the struggles of women who came before them should not be forgotten, particularly their fight for greater social and economic participation.
She called for an end to gender-based violence and barriers preventing women from accessing economic opportunities.
“We must say no to gender-based violence. We must say no to the exclusion of accessing the economy for women,” she said.
She said women should not only benefit from development but should be active participants in shaping the country’s economic and social future.
“Women must gain access to opportunities. Women must be the custodians of economic excellence. Women must be the drivers of social justice,” she said.
She further called for women to move beyond being defined by victimhood and instead be recognised for their resilience and leadership in their communities.
“Women must no longer be victims, but they must be survivors, and they must be pillars of strength in their communities,” she said.
Chauke Adonis also called for the 50% representation of women in political leadership to become a lived reality across political parties and all spheres of government.
“We’re not speaking about just women from one race or from one demographic group. We’re speaking about women in their diversity, including every single woman with a disability, because they have potential, capability, and they are able to also lead,” she said.
She urged young women to embrace leadership and to support one another.
“We’re saying young women, roar. It is our time to lead. It is your time to rise. Fix another woman’s crown. Never forget that someone fixed your crown,” she said.
The call for men to play their part in protecting and advancing women’s rights was reinforced by Deputy Minister in the Presidency Seiso Mohai.
Acknowledging women ahead of the Women’s Month commemorations, Mohai called on the men gathered at the programme to stand in recognition of the contribution women have made to South African society.
“This is a full house today, and I’d like all men to stand up because we are honouring the efforts made by the women in our country,” Mohai said.
“We salute them for their commitment and sacrifice to build families, communities and workplaces.”
As the men stood, they pledged to protect the rights of all women, reinforcing the message that advancing women’s rights is not the responsibility of women alone.
Chauke Adonis spoke to The Guard while accompanying Mohai during a programme in Qwaqwa on Friday, August 7. Mohai was in the area for a gift handover at Thiboloha Special School for the Deaf and Blind.
