On International Women’s Day 8th March 2013
Come let us celebrate our brave sisters,
Phenomenal women,
Mothers of the struggle,
who rode against the tide of history
To create a brave new world…
VALIAMMA
Fearless warrior for peace even in the face of certain death, your name is emblazoned.
NOKUKHANYA LUTHULI
Mother of Light, you continue to shine in the dark places of our worlds…
SAROJINI NAIDU
Nightingale of India, you were the full, brave conscience of the nation.
MIRIAM MAKEBA
Mama Africa, you ever kept your eyes on a new tomorrow for your continent, your homeland.
WANGARI MAATHAI
Through the winds and the trees, your voice of compassion for our lonely planet echoes without ceasing…
NAWAL EL SAADAWI
Daughter of Isis, your home is the world where all women would be free of every tyranny.
WINNIE MADIKIZELA MANDELA
You suffered prison, banning and banishment for the cause of our impossible freedom.
AMINA CACHALIA
You were a faithful companion on THE LONG WALK TO FREEDOM.
MALALA YOUSAFZAI
Child of Innocence, you refused to be manacled by bigotry and ignorance.
AUNG SUNG SUU KYI
Your tender heart rides undaunted into the fiercest of storms.
HELEN JOSEPH
You stood Side by Side with the downtrodden of this beloved land.
LILIAN NGOYI
They learned from you that when they strike a woman they strike a rock!
NONTSIKELELO ALBERTINA SISULU
You shouted to your last breath, “WOMEN ARE ALSO PEOPLE”!
PHYLLIS NAIDOO
Noble woman, you were freedom’s banner to the very end,
GCINA MHLOPHE
In the poetry and dance of the Word, you are queen!
REBECCA MALOPE
From the very depths of your soul, streams of living water burst forth.
ELA GANDHI
From the loins of the Great Soul, you are the indefatigable torchbearer of hope and reconciliation in our times…
[composed by Betty Govinden]
