On the evening of 17 October 2021, ANC veteran and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, delivered the prestigious Gertrude Shope Memorial Lecture at the University of Johannesburg. The lecture, which is held annually, honors the legacy of the late struggle stalwart and feminist icon, Gertrude Shope.
Dr. Pandor, who is also the Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, delivered a powerful and thought-provoking speech, highlighting the importance of women’s leadership and the role of women in the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Pandor paid tribute to Gertrude Shope, describing her as a fearless and tireless leader who dedicated her life to the fight against apartheid and the empowerment of women. She also acknowledged the significance of the lecture, stating that it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by women like Gertrude Shope in the struggle for a free and equal South Africa.
The theme of this year’s lecture was “Women’s Leadership in a Time of Crisis”. Dr. Pandor used this platform to reflect on the current state of women’s leadership in South Africa and the challenges that women continue to face in the political, economic, and social spheres.
She emphasized the need for women to take up leadership positions and be actively involved in decision-making processes, stating that “women’s voices and perspectives are crucial in shaping a more just and equitable society”. Dr. Pandor also called for the dismantling of patriarchal systems and the promotion of gender equality in all sectors of society.
Drawing from her own experiences as a woman in leadership, Dr. Pandor shared valuable insights and lessons on how to navigate the challenges and obstacles that women face in the pursuit of leadership roles. She encouraged young women to be resilient, determined, and to never give up on their dreams, despite the barriers they may encounter.
The lecture was attended by a diverse audience, including students, academics, government officials, and members of the public. The event was also live-streamed, allowing a wider audience to engage with Dr. Pandor’s powerful message.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Pandor urged everyone to honor the legacy of Gertrude Shope by actively working towards a more inclusive and gender-equal society. She reminded the audience that the struggle for women’s rights and equality is far from over and called for a collective effort to continue the fight.
The Gertrude Shope Memorial Lecture serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of women and to inspire future generations of women leaders. Dr. Naledi Pandor’s powerful and inspiring speech was a fitting tribute to the late Gertrude Shope and a call to action for all women to rise up and take their rightful place in society.
As we reflect on the lecture, let us be reminded of the words of Dr. Pandor, “Women’s leadership is not a privilege, it is a right. And it is a right that we must continue to fight for, until it is fully realized in our society.” Let us all be inspired to be agents of change and work towards a more just and equal world for all.
