To Celebrate Women’s Day, OFM News asked women around Bloemfontein to share their views on what it means to be a woman in South Africa.

Noxolo Kapa says to be a woman in South Africa means living in constant fear.

“It may be Women’s month and we should be celebrating women but what’s the point of celebrating women when we’re losing women around us to violence in South Africa?”

Cynthia Fortuin feels being a woman is also believing that you are worthy. “When you are a woman, you do not look for validation in other people, but only for validation from God.”

Bokang Motlhakoane says in today’s world being a woman means not having to choose between having beauty or brains, but being able to thrive in both. “Being a woman means we can hold each other, support each other, encourage each other and empower each other. Most importantly, being a woman in today’s world means we break down the barriers that were previously erected in order for us not to succeed.”

For Kim Morgan being a woman means having a strong sense of identity, accepting your body as one that adapts and changes over time, being confident, and building up the people in your life. “It means you have the wisdom to be grateful for what you have while still being hungry enough for growth. Advice to my younger self? Time is so important, don’t waste a second, every minute, every day and grab every opportunity you can get. Stay humble and love yourself and remember your worth.”

“The message I would give to my younger self is to stop being so hard on yourself, enjoy every single moment you have with your friends and loved ones, because this life that we live is not guaranteed” says Kekeletso Maloka.

Bulelwa Moikwatlhai quotes Ana Logan: “Being a woman means being able to be powerful and assertive, yet kind at the same time. It means being compassionate and vulnerable towards those we love in our lives without feeling weak for doing so. It means striving for our goals even in the face of the adversity we may encounter along the way.”

Busisiwe Maile: “What it means to be a woman for me is having total acceptance of who you are. It also means doing what women naturally do, which is being loving, compassionate, but doing it powerfully.”

Palesa Mogorosi: “To be a woman, in my personal capacity and understanding, is to be a lover, a nurturer and a pillar of strength. Being a woman means having a strong sense of identity, being confident, and building up the people in your life. It means you have the wisdom to be grateful for what you have while still being hungry enough for growth. And growing gracefully in whatever you do.”

Mantwa Khutlang: “Being a woman to me means being godly, we are love, we are unstoppable. Advice I would give to my younger self is I should trust the process, never rush into anything, take time to love and master yourself before anything else, and love yourself - byou are a queen.”

OFM News