A day of bubbles and pearls brightened a stormy Women’s Day last Friday (9 August) thanks to the Rotary Club Stellenbosch.
Women from Stellenbosch and surrounding areas celebrated the public holiday with music, encouragement and even some traditional Chinese tea. Elegance Gozo, talent management strategy lead, was the keynote speaker of the day and encouraged the women to “fill your cups”.
“Women’s Day used to be a day on which we focused on creating change through fighting,” she pointed out, “but today we are here to celebrate. Celebrate one another and do introspection about our value and the contribution we make to society.”
Gozo added that women have long been the backbone of society but the role they play is often overlooked, especially by themselves.
Juggling challenges of being wives, mothers, daughters and employees can leave most women overstretched and tired, she explained this is why it is important for women to take care of themselves as well.
“Women have always been on the forefront of driving social change. We need to stand still and give ourselves a pat on the back.
“We need to keep advocating for change and equality and support each other in the workplace.”
Gozo also shared her five tips for women looking to help lift one another up. First she suggested being a guide or mentor to others, celebrating one another’s success, advocating for others, being an ally and, lastly, helping to build and support networks that hold space for women.
Along with the food for thought the women were also treated to a cello and violin performance by Zoë Coetzee and Solange Rojas. The Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University, under the guidance of Prof Binlan Huang, held a tea ceremony and shared the brew with the guests at the Thirsty Scarecrow.
Huang spoke about the history of tea in China and the cultural importance of the beverage in Chinese society.
Rotarian Jackie Hunter thanked those present for their support and added that the proceeds of the day would be used to fund the club’s various community projects.
