Women’s Day – not just about the ladies
TEA TIME: Students celebrated Women’s Day at the Accounting Student Council’s High Tea, at the Wits Origins Centre. From left: Tebogo Selabe (3rd year BAccSci), Suzan Lesame (3rd year BCom Accounting), Moleboheng Sefume (3rd year BAccSci) and Tinyiko Mareane (3rd year BEconSci). Photo: Lameez Omarjee
Young women and their male counterparts were inspired to overcome challenges in pursuit of their dreams at the Accounting Student Council’s (ASC) high tea celebration of Women’s Day today at the Wits Origins Centre.
The ASC hosted two events, a ‘gentlemen’s’ breakfast and a high tea for the women. The dual-event is new introduction to the celebrations of Women’s Day and was done to give a voice to men on this day.
Building character
“We need to also tell men to be responsible. A lot of issues that women have is because of men, so we essentially trying to build men of character,” said Danki Mokwena, ASC Projects and Campaigns Officer.
Women were also told to create their own paths for progress and not to rely on men. “In 1956 the female narrative was as under-represented as it is today. Those women took a bold step to challenge authority,” said Khaya Sithole, Wits accounting lecturer and one of the event organisers.
“We don’t take enough action to proactively change women’s issues. Women should rise to the challenge and make their voices heard.”
Professional wisdom
Students were treated to the wisdom of successful professionals from a variety of fields, not just accounting.
Young men were inspired by the likes of actor and Wits alumnus Tumisho Masha, and medical doctor Vuyani Mhlami, who “achieved so much at a young age”, according to Siphesihle Mchunu, second-year BAccSci.
Businessman, Sisa Ngebulana told male students about the challenges he faced in his career and the lessons he learnt. “It’s not about the money. Leave a legacy. Create something that can survive you and generations to come.”
Guest speaker, Zukie Siyatula, CEO at Thebe Capital, wanted more women to feel comfortable about being ambitious. “They need to give themselves permission to be successful”, she said.
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