We are all inherently equal, but not all of us are treated that way. Throughout history, gender disparity has inhibited and harmed women around the world. Although progress has been made, discrimination still persists. But there are brave individuals at the forefront of the fight for equality. Refilwe Ledwaba, Patrick Seruwu, and Anna-Marie de Vos are empowering women to overcome the obstacles set before them.
Raised in a rural community in Limpopo, South Africa, Refilwe Ledwaba had to work harder than most to make her dreams a reality. Although she set her sights on becoming a doctor, that all changed when she got into an airplane with a black female pilot. But with few opportunities for women of colour in aviation, her new career choice seemed far out of reach. Fortunately for Ledwaba, the South African Police Service took her under their wing and she became the first black operational helicopter pilot on the force. To help other young women soar to new heights, Ledwaba founded the Girls Fly Programme in Africa. Through comprehensive workshops and training, Ledwaba equips them with the vital experience and knowledge to enter the aviation and space industry. “It’s very important that we share our skills so we can grow together,” she says.
As a judge, Anna-Marie de Vos had to battle her way to the top in a male-dominated profession. “There was a time when I was the only woman and the youngest judge on the bench in the Pretoria High Court,” she says. Regardless of the stark inequality in the justice system, De Vos enacted vital change until she resigned. “I believed that I could make a more meaningful contribution to society at a grassroots level,” she says. Realising that marginalised women desperately needed legal assistance but couldn’t afford it, she founded the Legal Centre for Women and Children. Through her programme, De Vos offers legal services free of charge to support those in need. “I feel that I have real purpose,” she says. With more women aware of their rights, they can reclaim power over their lives.
Patrick Seruwu has been exposed to women’s struggles all his life. Raised by a single mother with three sisters, he went on to braid women’s hair for a living. While working, he would often hear his clients' stories of abuse and adversity. “I fear that society is becoming desensitised to the challenges that women face on a daily basis,” Seruwu says. To amplify their voices, Seruwu started painting portraits that revealed their resilience. “My work is a symbol of strength for what every woman goes through in their lives,” he says. Foregrounding the unbreakable spirit of women, Seruwu’s emotive pieces call on the world to listen to them and act.
Ledwaba, Seruwu, and De Vos are laying the foundation for a fair and just society. If we continue to push barriers and challenge the norm, we can achieve equality.
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