Inspiring women and gender equality through research

Thobeka Khubisa: Founder, Thobeka Khubisa Foundation and DDP partner

Thobeka Khubisa is the founder of the Thobeka Khubisa Foundation NPC DDP partner.

The Thobeka Khubisa Foundation NPC is a women-only led organization whose vision it is to promote and advocate for women’s rights, gender equality and social justice through research-led, practical community engagement; with research being the foundation of its activist work.

Although in its infancy, the Thobeka Khubisa Foundation focuses on the semi-rural and rural areas of KwaZulu Natal – working particularly with women.

What does women’s month mean to you?

Women’s month symbolizes the significant strides taken by South African women who, in 1956, marched to the Union Buildings against an oppressive apartheid system – one that denied them of their rights.

Why is celebrating women’s month important to you?

I don’t believe in celebrating women’s month because women’s month celebrations are reduced to the level of Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day. In so doing, it loses its symbolic meaning – it becomes about “appreciating women” and “showing them love”; this is patronizing. I believe that instead of “celebrations”, this month should be about assessing the progress made in women’s’ struggles against marginalization since the 1956 women’s march was a march that fought for women’s rights. Suddenly remembering that South Africa has women should not be an August trend. If this country truly values women and women’s voices, creating spaces for women and amplifying women’s successes should be done throughout the year.

What concerns you the most about politics in South Africa?

The inequalities and injustices in our country – these have been made more explicit during the lockdown period. It is also most disheartening that women, particularly black women, are disproportionately affected and bear the brunt of these inequalities.