Women’s Month - Message from the CEO

Sibongile Mkhabela – CEO: Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund

“Wathinta bafazi, Wathinta ‘mbokodo” -  “Mma Ngwana o tshwara thipa ka fa bogaleng”

The transition from the month of July to the women’s month of August is inspirational. We are energised following remarkable events we hosted and celebrated with our guests from eight African countries in July; in particular reference to the Fund’s annual children birthday celebration and the Africa Spelling BEE.
We begin the month of August also inspired by the acts of kindness and humanity in recognition of the International Mandela Day.
As we celebrate and acknowledge remarkable achievements by women in politics, business, the judiciary, community development and social entrepreneurship; we should also use this period to reflect on many adverse challenges facing women in general and a girl child in particular.
As we celebrate the women emancipation role played by Nkosazana Dlamini – Zuma as the chairperson of the African Union Commission, we must also amplify our voices to put a stop to a scourge of women abuse and sexual violence.
As we recognise Theresa May as the new British Prime Minister and wish her luck in navigating the Brexit negotiations with the European Union, we must also remain vigilant and highlight the reality of human trafficking that result in forced prostitution and drug abuse.
As we acknowledge and celebrate the historic nomination of Hilary Clinton as the first woman presidential candidate in the United States of America (USA), we should continue to ask tough questions about the plight of the girls kidnapped by the militant group Boko Haram.
Women of different age groups are continuing to make great strides in many different fields and professions; this is an achievement worth celebrating and we are confident that this success stories will shared in different platforms throughout the month of August.  .
We pay special tribute to all dedicated and hard working women in our communities who continue to love and care for the children, orphans, the disabled, the elderly, the indigent and those who live with HIV and AIDS. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and we value your partnership in the work we do in communities as a collective.
In conclusion; Media Freedom is an important tenet of democracy; hence the media is often referred to as a fourth estate in a democratic architecture. The media continues to play a vital role in relaying messages, particularly on crime and gender based violence.
We therefore pay tribute to women journalists and their male colleagues who are committed to defend this sacred principle of media freedom. Through media exposes’ and other disclosures we are able to make interventions in the interests of women and children.
 Happy Women’s Month to All.