Every August our country marks National Women’s Day where we pay tribute to the women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. This forms part of Women’s Month which gives us an opportunity to pay tribute to the trailblazers who laid the foundation to empower women. Women’s Month draws attention to important issues that women face such as domestic violence, unequal pay, discrimination and more.
This year ProBono.Org Durban planned a series of events to commemorate Women’s Month. On 12 August 2022 we hosted a Women’s Month breakfast for the women lawyers on our panel who dedicate their time to do pro bono work. Our guest speaker Sanelisiwe Nyasulu of Garlick and Bousfield gave an inspirational talk to our guests on the challenges she faced as an up-and-coming attorney and how she overcame them.
On 23 and 26 August 2022 ProBono.Org Durban presented talks on Protection Orders to the communities in Umlazi and Isipingo. This initiative encouraged and uplift women to report domestic violence and educate them on their rights. We will be highlighted the mechanisms and laws put in place to protect victims of domestic violence.
On 25 August 2022 Probono.Org Durban hosted a free advice help desk for women who require legal advice.
On 27 August 2022 ProBono.Org Durban provided a presentation on Gender Based Violence to the community of Phoenix. South Africa has seen a rise in violence targeting women and children and we are focused on raising awareness on women’s and children’s rights.
South African women have made significant progress but there is still much work to be done. ProBono. Org encourages all women to not only reflect on the courage of the women in the past but to celebrate their bravery and be bold in helping one another today. ProBono.Org wishes a very happy Women’s Month to all.