August marks Women’s Month in South Africa, a time where women and their successes, plights, heroism, and tragedies ascend into the limelight and are given additional salience.

This Women’s Month, I propose uniting two forces; fems (feminists) and trads (traditionalists).

Fems are individuals who advocate for women’s rights on the basis of equality of the sexes. They strive to dismantle patriarchy and fight against systemic oppression, seeking social, political, and economic equality for women. Trads, on the other hand, often adhere to cultural norms and values that emphasize conventional gender roles, such as women as homemakers and nurturers.

While there is often a dissonance between women because of their differing ideologies, this division is unnecessary. Ultimately all females face various forms of systematic oppression in diverse settings. Therefore, it is appropriate to come together instead of tearing one another apart.

A common trend on social media I find intriguing is women in their late 20s, 30s, and even 40s sharing how much peace they have found being single and child-free. These women share bits and pieces of their worlds online and reflect on how letting go of the ideal of being married with kids before turning 25, has allowed them to enjoy their lives to the fullest.

A common trend in the comment section of these videos is misogynistic men and women sharing how miserable child-free women will be without kids later in life, they call them selfish and hedonistic.
Conversely, on many online videos where women cook for their husbands and enjoy being stay-at-home spouses and moms, several men and women leave hateful comments, calling these wives “lazy”, “gold-diggers.” and “oppressed.”

A girl can’t win, can she? Women face criticism regardless of whether they follow societal norms or carve their own paths.

In my view, everyone is entitled to live their lives as they please, and women, feminists and traditionalists alike, should strive to support and uplift one another.

Not every woman wants to be married with children, and not every woman wants to excel in a corporate job or academia. Some women may have wanted kids and a committed relationship, but the trajectory of their lives, heartbreak, trauma, familial commitments, and other constraints have prevented their dreams from becoming a reality. Others are career-driven and love being single because it brings them peace of mind. There is no one-size-fits-all definition of womanhood.

Strong ladies speak up for women empowerment
I spoke to three determined ladies who reflected on the importance of women uplifting one another, regardless of their goals and ideals.

Award-winning Johannesburg reporter, Trisha Pillay notes that instead of competing with one another, women should cultivate an understanding for each other:
“Supporting one another is crucial for women because it fosters collective unity, empowerment, and progress. Addressing issues of female rivalry can help break down stereotypes and promote much-needed solidarity.”

Baker and entrepreneur in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, Annah Maseko was helped by another woman when starting her baking business and is therefore a fierce advocate for empowerment:
“I got to where I am through the help of another woman. I believe this Women’s Month should be about ladies supporting one another. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a mom, wife, want to remain single, or love studying and working, all women should unite.”

Vinolia Malema, a nail technician in Hammanskraal argues that women should fight long-standing biases together considering that they all face common challenges:
“We all face obstacles in diverse aspects of life, including the workplace, political realms, and society. Uplifting one another creates strength that can overcome barriers and promote gender equality.”

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Let’s all use this Women’s Month as an opportunity for growth and self-acceptance. Let’s promote understanding about the multitude of challenges women face and foster a spirit of shared truth and upliftment. Happy Women’s Month to all.

What does Women’s Month mean to you? Who are some women you look up to?