Beyond Zero hosted the #WomxnEmbracingEquity event on August 30^th to commemorate womxn’s month.  We brought together incredible womxn from diverse backgrounds to foster conversations on equity, inclusion, and breaking down barriers.

We were honoured by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities – Ms Steve Letsike, South African Human Rights Commission represented by the Legal Services Officer, Ms. Harriet Buga, The Commission for Gender Equality represented by Prabashni Naidoo, Civil Society Sectors (Sex Work Sector, Youth Sector, Human Rights Sector, LGBTIQ sector), business and womxn beneficiaries from our different programmes.  Together, we embraced our uniqueness in advancing and advocating for access to stigma-free, non-discriminatory services for all womxn populations.

The programme was designed to provide an open platform for engagement in allowing womxn to share their experiences. It featured a panel discussion that highlighted the diversity of womxn, along with presentations on the role of civil society in advocating for womxn’s rights, equity for all womxn, updates on the global AIDS report, and human rights violations affecting all womxn populations. The programme also focused on the role of advocacy in advancing the rights of all womxn populations and advocating for health services that meet young womxn’s needs. Deputy Minister of Women, Children, and People with Disability, Steve Letsike, delivered a keynote address, emphasising the ongoing fight for equity and human rights advocacy. She said, “We take this as an opportunity to promote the rights of all womxn regardless of their identity and background. As we gather here today, we acknowledge the diverse experiences of all womxn in society. We recognise the struggles, challenges, and victories these womxn have experienced… We honour womxn’s resilience and strength in creating an equitable world. The pursuit of gender equality is a shared experience, and we continue regardless of the challenges. Womxn face stigma and discrimination due to their gender identity, and patriarchy keeps on taking from womxn; we don’t know what we did. There’s no competition between men and womxn; it’s unfortunate that we still have to negotiate pay checks, who sits at the tables, and the gap between men and womxn.”

The panel discussion, facilitated by Ms Aluta Humbane, a human rights officer at the Durban Lesbian and Gay Community and Health Centre, allowed for candid conversations about discrimination, stigma, and the steps needed to achieve true equality. The panellists included Nokwanda Gambushe (Sex Worker Sector), Thoko Bantjies (LGBTQIA Sector), Hendryheta Snel (LGBTQIA – Intersex Sector), Nomasomi Mimako (Disability Sector), Lindiwe Sibisi (Traditional Sector), and Disebo Rabele ( – AYP Beneficiary).

During the event, womxn from various generations and backgrounds shared their lived experiences, exploring common challenges and shared vision on equity.

The #WomxnEmbracingEquity event, was a vibrant and engaging platform where we embraced every womxn’s uniqueness, strength, and diversity. Themed “Hats and Heels”, womxn came looking beautiful and colourful embracing who they are unapologetically. After the event, womxn were gifted with a special memento to remind them of the day and the power of embracing their uniqueness.

Beyond Zero remains committed to fostering an inclusive society where all womxn can live authentically, free from discrimination and stigma. As we move forward, let’s continue to champion equity, human rights, and the unique experiences of all womxn.