By Wanique Block
International Women’s Day celebrates the “social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.”
One century later and the call for action remains the same, International Women’s Day places emphasis and facilitates conversations around gender equality.
The theme for this year, #BreakTheBias, focuses on dismantling societal conditions and biases that have been enforced on women for centuries, whether that be in our homes, communities, schools, or workplaces.
In honour of International Women’s Day, 8th March 2022 we’re highlighting and reflecting on the monumental strides made by women who are consistently shattering the gender mold and infiltrating spaces that are still predominantly male-orientated.
Siwela Masoga
Owner of Siwela Wines, Siwela Masoga is a Black female winemaker and Biotechnologist who is shaking up the wine industry one bottle at a time.
After completing her studies in Biotechnology, majoring in fermentation and microbiology, Siwela started her career in the wine industry by interning at Waterstone Wines in Stellenbosch.
In an industry still dominated by white men, Siwela is determined to make a difference by facilitating more young black professionals, especially in the wine industry.
Sharne Jacobs
Founder of Girls Skate South Africa.
Girls Skate S.A is a community organization that advocates for inclusivity in skateboarding, especially because the sport is still very much dominated by men.
This organization provides a safe space and facilitates development programs, specifically skateboarding programs for girls as well as for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Mandisa Maya
Is South Africa’s first female jurist who served as President of the Supreme Court of Appeal since 2017. Maya is also a Chief Justice Candidate.
Justice Mandisa Maya continues to shatter the gender mold in an institution that consistently demonstrates patriarchal dominance and sexism.
Girls In Film South Africa
Run by Gale Maimane, Katya Abedian, Hallie Haller, and Julie Vergez, Girls in Film brings exposure to women and non-binary filmmakers in South Africa.
This platform aims at diversifying the film industry by providing and creating opportunities, as well as forging and facilitating professional networks for women and non-binary filmmakers.
Baratang Miya
Dedicated to empowering young women and girls through programming and app development, Baratang Miya has launched a tech organisation called GirlHype: Women Who Code
In an industry that is still predominantly male, GirlHype focuses on developing digital literacy and supports gender inclusion in tech.
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