9 August 1956. A day we celebrate the power of women to transform the world. A day South Africa pays tribute to the more than 20 000 women, iconic women leaders the likes of Ma Albertina Sisulu, Sophie Williams-De Bruyn, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, Lillian Ngoyi and Amina Cachalia,women Nelson Mandela hailed as “courageous, persistent, MANDELA TALKS enthusiastic, indefatigable”, women who marched to the seat of the apartheid government to uphold their rights and in protest against the discriminatory pass law imposed upon women. Webinar Nelson Mandela dedicated his entire life to champion the cause for equality, dignity and human rights. The Constitution, 5 AUGUST 2020 which forms part of his legacy and governs our nation, so unequivocally embraces gender equality and proudly affirms the dignity of all as it continues to remind us of his vision. 11:00 – 13:00 SAST WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO TURN THE TIDE? As long as women are bound Celebrating the power of women to transform the world by poverty and as long as they are looked down upon, Chair: Patience Mungwari Mpani human rights will lack substance… Manager, Women’s Rights Unit, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria as long as outmoded ways of thinking Welcome: Prof Frans Viljoen prevent women from making a Director, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria meaningful contribution to society, progress will be slow! Introduction to the Mandela Talks: Dr Liaqat Azam Director, Leading Like Mandela Institute Message by HE Ms Ndileka Mandela Social Activist and CEO of Thembekile Mandela Foundation Click here Message by HE Ms Nardos Bekele-Thomas to register Resident Co-ordinator, United Nations South Africa A Zoom link & password will be sent to your email one hour before the ESTEEMED PANELLISTS: webinar starts HE Ms Ntsiki Sisulu Clinical Psychologist and Gender Activist Ms Anne Githuku-Shongwe Global Leader, Representative for UN Women’s South Africa Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) Ms Esther Maluleke Chief Director: Governance Transformation, Justice & Security, Department of Women in the Presidency Ms Tamara Eugenia Mathebula Honourable Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality Gregory Nott Director, Norton Rose Fulbright; Former Vice-President, National Association of Democratic Lawyers - A running battle: Caster Semenya’s courageous fight for women and human rights This webinar hosted jointly by the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, the Leading Like Mandela Institute, the Thembekile Mandela Foundation and the United Nations, in a series of online “Mandela Talks” honours these legacies, celebrates the power of women to rise above adversity in creating a better world and remembers the indomitable spirit of Zindzi Mandela, a great daughter of the nation. This comes at a time when the world is undergoing a major transformation as we face the COVID-19 pandemic. The plight of women in dealing with this pandemic and the effects thereof has highlighted the dire need to address the inequalities and indignity women suffer, gender based violence, poverty and the lack of access to the basic human rights. Our esteemed panellists whilst drawing upon the legacies of these great leaders and the wisdom derived from their own life experience will explore the leading role of women in striving to address these inequalities and to give birth to a world with human dignity, human fulfillment, peace, freedom and equality. Ma Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu at the 1956 Women’s March Rahima Moosa, Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph and Sophia Williams led the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, carrying stacks of petitions to present to the government.