24 Aug Ginwala praises Tambo for his recognition of women
Former speaker of Parliament and African National Congress (ANC) Stalwart Frene Ginwala says former ANC President Oliver Tambo recognised the contributions women made, and continued to place them in leadership roles during the liberation struggle under the ANC.
Ginwala was speaking at a panel discussion for a Women’s Dialogue at the Market Theatre, celebrating Tambo’s life and acknowledging his efforts in the emancipation of women. The panel included other ANC stalwarts such as Gertrude Shope, while it also involved younger panelists addressing problems women are faced with today and during the liberation struggle.
The panel included Ginwala and former ANC Women’s League President Gertrude Shope. This dialogue was also aimed at underlining the contributions made by Tambo, in recognising women in the political space. Ginwala who had a close working relationship with Tambo recalled how Tambo believed in equality regardless of gender.
“He not only had policy, but he always understood the need for structures and organisation to implement. So it was not enough to say equality, but then he appointed people. He appointed people and at an occasion where he announced to a group of us that one a women was going to go, and be representing the ANC in a western country which was very friendly to the ANC.”
Former African National Congress Women’s League Shope says while Tambo headed the ANC, he recognised women’s struggles and did much to address them within the organisation.
“Among other things O. R. was very strict, to both men and women. To let us know that the struggle of women is not being fought for by women alone, it would be from both men and women alike. He also said to us that you women, you’ve got a very bad habit. You’ve got a thing of thinking that you know your role belongs to the kitchen. Your role does not belong to the kitchen it belongs to the frontline of the struggle.”
Mbali Sibanyoni
Article Sourced from SABC