The word ‘“feminism” conjures up a range of images for different people. Fortunately, within UP campuses, the true values of feminism take human embodiment within the women in leadership. Beyond the beauty and blazers, the leadership within various structures and societies further the cause, not of a matricarchy, but equality on the basis of merit and competence. This Women’s Month, PDBY interviewed them to determine the activism and politics that drive female leadership at UP.
Politics tends to be associated with a hyper-masculine form of leadership and debate. House Humanities Chairperson Alwanduthando Hlabisa details that a considerate and constructive approach can also allow for an impactful engagement with others. However, this combination of compassion and empathy must not be confused with the false narrative that women are overtly emotional and incapable of making difficult executive decisions or leading effectively. Nyiko Mathe, Legal Shebeen Chairperson, further echoed these sentiments by saying that the misconception stems from women being associated with femininity, and femininity has often been equated to weakness. This begins with the belief in yourself, and that type of confidence subsequently translates into trust from the electorate. Leadership requires assertion, but when depicted by women, it can result in the label of being “dramatic” or “difficult”. However, the women at UP are challenging these stereotypes and producing meaningful results, as noted by TULIP Society Chairperson Tshiamo Mothapo. The reality is that the fight is not against the system but rather the injustices within the system, as UP&Out Chairperson Rethabile Mokhena remarked.
A consistent trend among the leaders was the concept of “legacy”. Chairperson of the Palestinian Solidarity Committee (PSC-UP) Ayesha Essop expressed an avoidance of the term “activism” as actions of basic human consideration should not be deemed as standout. Essop likens such actions to “a further stitch in the tapestry of work started by our predecessors and that will be continued by our successors” for the good of all. Fittingly, PSC-UP predecessor and current SRC Officer for Postgraduate and International Student Affairs Gulce Aksoy elaborated on the importance of legacy. Aksoy acknowledged that despite only one out of the five SRC executive members being a woman, the structure still maintains progressive values rooted in access, equity, and inclusivity. Lethabo Phahlane, SRC Treasurer, acknowledged her political legacy that values liberation and the meaningful participation of women as an EFFYC deployee.
The value of female leadership extends far beyond them demanding a seat at the table in order to satisfy diversity quotas, but rather proactive efforts by helping shape society and the table itself. Phahlane remarks that this can be furthered by intentional alliances among female leaders through mentorship and collective advocacy because behind every great woman is another woman.
When asked who inspired their approaches to governance, a diverse spectrum of icons and revolutionaries were highlighted. For instance, Phahlane and Hlabisa praised the resilience and commitment to justice of Winnie Madikizela Mandela. Similarly, leaders such as Assata Shakur who lived and breathed for the causes in which they believed, fueled Essop’s drive. Sometimes, the rise despite adversity is needed, and Mokhena draws inspiration from Funeka Soldaat who channeled her trauma from homophobic violence into her fight for queer people. Other times, scrutiny requires intellectual leadership to best articulate your convictions in a well-informed manner as Mothapo leans on the diplomacy of Naledi Pandor.
Despite how eloquent these women are, their involvement and contributions to the UP community are the reasons why the electorate vouches for them. This can be seen from Mathe’s support in the fight against GBV to Phahlane’s maintenance of the A Re Ageng Bokamoso Study Aid Fund through fundraising and sponsorship. Mothapo describes how this begins at grassroots level with actions as simple as assisting prospective students from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply to university at no cost. Such instances have changed the trajectory of two young women’s lives who are currently registered UP students. Moreover, Mokhena ensures that her society is educated about the multitude of UP resources at their disposal.
Essop shared similar sentiments, stressing the need for the adoption of the Transgender Protocol which has been shelved for five years now. The Transgender Protocol would further realise the safety needs and gender affirmation of transgender students. The requests directed at the UP Executive Body is to not let bureaucratic decision-making processes suppress the voices of students.
Improved institutional responses to GBV, sexual harassment, and policies relating to financial and academic concerns would greatly benefit female students. Moreover, an annual gathering of female leaders within the different structures to discuss the realities of and strategies for better governance would yield far greater productivity.
Ultimately, the women in leadership above recognised that their roles are not just about occupying a position. Rather, they are about serving the student population and enlarging the path for the next generation of female students. Womanhood is to be worn like a suit of armour in whatever form that takes. It is not a weakness, but rather the greatest strength.
Londeka Mbokane