South Africa’s National Day for Women – Damascus

The Embassy of South Africa (SA) in collaboration with the the Diplomatic Club of Syria (DCOS) yesterday hosted a reception on the occasion of “South Africa’s National Women’s Day” at the Ambassador’s official residence in Damascus.

Members of the Diplomatic Club, Ambassadors,  diplomats and guests attended the ceremony.

To shed light on this event, Syria Times conducted some interviews:

 Interviews:

 Mrs. Shukriyyeh Mikdad, the Honorary Head of the Diplomatic Club of Syria, told Syria Times that “South Africa’s National Women’s Day highlights  the struggle of the  South African women against racism and all kinds of oppression . This is an important day for all the women of the world, given that women have fought to restore their freedom and achieve equality with men. The struggle of women in South Africa is the struggle of all women of the world who are subjected to injustice.” 

On her part, Rima Abbsi , the Deputy Head of the Diplomatic Club,  said: “this occasion gives us the chance to have an idea about women’s suffering in all countries,  and about their struggle to liberate themselves from different kinds of restrictions and tell the whole world that they can do a lot, but they need support from everyone, because women and men alike make up the whole society.”

“Today we announced that a charity bazaar is being prepared to be held in October whose proceeds will go to children in Aleppo” Abbsi added.

Mrs. Radyanti Fauzi, wife of the Indonesian Ambassador to Syria and member of the club, said: “Empowering women is essential to the health and social development of families, communities and countries. When women are living safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can reach their full potential, can contribute their skills to the workforce and can raise happier and healthier children.”

“They are also able to help fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large. That is why it is important not only for South Africa women but also for women in every part of the world” Mrs. Fauzi added.

On her part, Atty. Vida Soraya Verzosa CDA, the Philippines Embassy and a Diplomatic Club member, said: “The importance of the South African National Woman Day is for us to continue promoting women empowerment, equality and social inclusion for all sectors of society.”

“It very important not only for South African women but  for all women  in the world that are fighting for better women’s rights, better rights for our children, better rights for the future generation and for women to come to know that everything is possible as long as we are working together,” she added.

Reported By: Nada Haj Khidr