Honourable Yvonne Mokgoro was a groundbreaking black woman judge in South Africa’s judicial system, known for her strong advocacy for women’s rights. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and unwavering commitment led her to make history. Her legacy lives on, inspiring others to strive towards creating a more equitable society. Her passing is mourned, but her lasting impact on South Africa’s judicial system remains.
The Global Women Speakers’ Summit of 2024 brought together powerful female leaders from around the world at the National Assembly of France in Paris. The summit focused on parliamentary diplomacy and women’s rights, with a strong emphasis on condemning sexual violence against women in conflict zones. The event, initiated by the first female President of the National Assembly of France, Yaël BraunPivet, was a landmark event in the ongoing fight for women’s representation in global leadership roles.
The National Assembly Speaker, Ms Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula, gave a passionate call to action during the 2024 Women Speakers’ Summit in Paris, urging parliamentary speakers around the world to advocate for genderaware budgeting. She stressed the importance of incorporating a gender lens into budgetary procedures to foster gender equality and break down gender stereotypes and sociopolitical barriers. South Africa’s progress in enhancing genderresponsive budgeting has shown positive results, and MapisaNqakula implored her peers to guide their respective parliaments towards the enactment of laws and regulations that protect women’s rights.
Bryoni Govender, Miss Universe South Africa, is making waves in the pageant world as she secures a spot in the top 10 finalists for the Voice for Change segment of Miss Universe 2023. As a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, Govender launched the powerful ‘Her Way Out’ campaign to educate women about their legal rights. Her exquisite gold preliminary gown, reflecting South Africa’s mineralrich landscape, is captivating audiences worldwide. With the grand finale approaching, the world eagerly awaits to see if Govender will rise to her deserved place in the Miss Universe hall of fame.
The Madadeni Regional Court in Newcastle, South Africa, has set a significant precedent in protecting women and children from sexual violence by handing down a groundbreaking decision. On May 4, 2023, the court sentenced Muziwami Zwane, a 45yearold man, to three life imprisonment terms for raping three women in separate incidents in November 2019. Additionally, he received nine years for kidnapping and six years for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The court’s landmark ruling emphasizes that such heinous crimes will not be tolerated, and that the justice system stands firmly behind the victims.
Reeva Steenkamp was a talented and accomplished South African model and paralegal. She had a promising career in the fashion industry and was widely recognized for her beauty and intelligence. Her sudden and tragic death on Valentine’s Day in 2013 shocked the world and left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and fans.
