Image: SA History

Dear Campus Community,

Every year, when the calendar strikes August 9, women are thrust into the spotlight. And for 24 hours—often in plumes of pastel—their contributions to society are celebrated. We invoke the power of the 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 to challenge the apartheid regime and its unjust pass laws. Women's achievements are highlighted across media platforms, and inspirational messages flood our WhatsApp feeds.

Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Robert Balfour. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

Women’s Day is indeed an auspicious occasion to reflect and recognise. But it should not end there. It should also be an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of women who remain in the shadows, not by choice, but by force. As a university that has built its reputation as the voice of the voiceless, it is our duty to usher women into the light, give them the platform to inspire, and the tools to flourish.

Albertina Sisulu was a revered anti-apartheid activist, nurse, and political leader who fought for South Africa’s liberation. She also strongly advocated for women's and children's rights. She is widely cited during her centenary tributes in 2018 as saying:  “We are each required to walk our own road and then stop, assess what we have learnt, and share it with others. It is only in this way that the next generation can learn from those who have walked before them. We can do no more than tell our story. Then it is up to them to make of it what they will.”

This sentiment holds particular significance for UWC. It speaks to the value of teaching, mentorship, and storytelling at our institution. Academics have a duty to pass on knowledge not only in the lecture hall, but also through lived experience and example. Students—particularly women—must endeavour to carry that learning forward, shaping society, policy, and innovation. In this way, it creates a cycle of women’s empowerment. It is time for women to step out of the shadows.

I am encouraged that at this institution, we have not only inspirational students but also leaders who embody Ma Sisulu’s teachings.

Prof Matete Madiba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Development and Support, shared: “As we celebrate Women’s Day, we should confront not just gender-based violence in all its forms, but also the paradox of our time: more women graduate than ever before, yet far too few claim their place in those dream careers and positions. The work to remove barriers is far from over.”

To Dr Nita Lawton-Misra, the University’s Registrar, Women’s Day “affirms the authority and integrity of women's voices in shaping the principles, policies, and practices of our University.”

And Prof José Frantz, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, said: "Empowered women don’t wait for permission—they rise with purpose, lead with wisdom, and create space for others to thrive".

I am proud to announce that for the month of August, across our campus, students and staff are engaging in a series of thought-provoking and inspiring events designed to celebrate women, raise awareness of ongoing challenges, and drive meaningful change.

Highlights of our Women’s Month programme include:

August 7: The Unveiling of 14 Sanitary Pad Dispensers – a partnership between UWC, Clicks, and the Menstruation Foundation to combat period poverty and ensure that no student’s education is disrupted by lack of access to basic hygiene products.
August 7: Panel Discussion - Empowered Women, Transforming the Future – an annual fundraising initiative by Institutional Advancement that commemorates Women’s Day while raising bursary funds to support our female students.
August 8: Panel Discussion by the Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology – exploring the experiences and achievements of women in science, followed by a symbolic rosemary planting.
August 29: Women in Science Advancement Programme – bringing together leading female researchers to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientists.

May we continue to support one another, dismantle barriers to equity, and ensure that the spirit of 1956 lives on in our actions and our campus culture.

Wishing all members of the UWC community a meaningful and reflexive Women's Day, as also month.

Please visit the UWC website to see the wonderful array of activities offered throughout the University to celebrate and commemorate Women's Month this August. 

Yours sincerely,

Professor Robert Balfour
Rector and Vice-Chancellor