They have sacrificed their lives. Many women went to prison and they have given our struggle that human quality which is so important - also bringing in compassion and a caring attitude towards other human beings. But whilst we celebrate those achievements, we are only too painfully aware that there is still much to be done. Our women are still subjected to horrendous suffering - rape, assault, other forms of violence, inequalities and domination. And so today whilst we honour our women for the role which they have played in the struggle for freedom in our country, we are here to rededicate ourselves to continue the struggle sothat our society becomes a truly human and caring society in which men and women can live in equality and free from violence.
Freedom is indivisible.
Our society is not free until our women are free. Our society is not truly democratic unless our women are able to meaningfully participate in that democracy at every level - in government, parliament, all governing structures, business, at work and indeed in the home. We must also fight for gender equality, for equality between men and women in all areas of life. Equality means an end to domination and building mutual respect and self respect. By focusing on women on National Women's Day, we focus on the ongoing problems confronting women in this country.