The month of August is dedicated to women. We celebrate their strength, commitment and power.
In 1956, 20 000 South African women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against pass laws. We remember their anthem today as they sang, "You strike the women, you strike a rock, you will be crushed." We honour those women who rose up against severe injustice and recognise their bravery in risking arrest and detention.
But we also honour today’s women continuously fighting against injustice, women with courage to stand up for themselves and be the creators of their own destiny, whether it is brokering a major peace deal or breaking up a fight between her son and little sister; whether being the Chief Financial Officer of a major company or helping her son with a mathematics school assignment. Women have power within themselves, not always showing it to off to the world, but a salient power that emanates from within.
Today I am surrounded by strong women, proudly wearing the blue uniform. I look around and I see courage and determination and I am truly proud to be a witness to this event. It takes a special kind of women who choose to make law enforcement her career, to selfishly serve the community in creating a safer province for us all to enjoy, whilst simultaneously being a mother, provider and caretaker for this I applaud you.
Before I get completely lost in all the wonders of a woman, I want to quickly quote something Barak Obama said not too long ago, he said, "Most people who meet my wife quickly conclude that she is remarkable. They are right about this. She is smart, funny and thoroughly charming. Often, after hearing her speaks at some function or working with her on a project, people will approach me and say something to the effect of, you know, I think the world of you, Barack, but your wife, wow!"
Women must recognise their own worth, because only then will others recognise it. I salute the women present here today. You are creating role models in yourselves for young girls by showing your strength and worth.
I thank you.
