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Six things Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu said about Women

We have a few hours to go before the Strong Girl Competition closes. Here are some amazing things two famous South African men said about South African women and women in general to inspire you to nominate your Strong Girl. Remember this woman will play an important role in pushing forward what these two men believed would make the world a better place!

Nelson Mandela on:

  • Definining true freedom:

“Freedom cannot be achieved unless women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression… Our endeavors must be about the liberation of the woman, the emancipation of the man and the liberty of the child.”

  • The strength of women:

“The women were courageous, persistent, enthusiastic, indefatigable and their protest against passes set a standard for anti-government protest that was never equalled.”

  • Liberating South Africa:

“As a tribute to the legions of women who navigated the path of fighting for justice before us, we ought to imprint in the supreme law of the land, firm principles upholding the rights of women.”

Desmond Tutu on:

  • Addressing the gender disparities:

“There has been a great deal of injustice done to more than 50 per cent of the world’s population. And we need to do something about it. I mean it’s stupid! It’s stupid for us to sideline 50 per cent! What is wrong with your mathematics? Fifty per cent you shove to the side. It doesn’t make sense at all!”

  • Violence against women:

“When it comes to violence against women, there are few practices as harmful, or as widespread, as early marriage.”

  • Investing in women:

“If we are going to see real development in the world then our best investment is WOMEN!”

*ONE Campaign in partnership with the SABC are looking for the first ever South African Strong Girl. In this series, ONE will profile amazing South African women who are working hard to make a difference in different sectors of society. As a build-up to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015, ONE in partnership with the SABC have joined forces to kick off a campaign inspired by the song, Strong Girl, with the aim to ensure South African leaders are more aware of the importance of the critical issues that were raised in the June African Union Declaration, that affect the progress of South African women and girls. The Strong Girl Campaign aims to engage South Africans on the importance of the South African government putting women and girls at the center of its fight against poverty. As part of this initiative, ONE and SABC are looking for a Strong Girl who will represent the country at this huge platform in New York.*

Time is running out, competition closes on Friday 4 September 2015 at midnight. Don’t miss out an opportunity to nominate your Strong Girl by following this link

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