Meeting our classroom heroine on Women’s Day

When we left for the Union Buildings on the morning of Women’s Day, 9 August, we had no clue we were about to meet the youngest Nobel Prize laureate and feminist inspiration. 

We had the opportunity to go with the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) and represent Habonim Dror and our Jewish community at the national Women’s Day commemoration in Pretoria. The SAJBD women welcomed us with open arms and took great care of us, providing plentiful snacks, as every Jewish mommy would. 

We were privileged to sit just metres from President Cyril Ramaphosa and guest speakers including  Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, 88, the last living leader of the 1956 Women’s March; Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, deputy minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities; and the phenomenal visiting international youth icon, Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai. 

Hearing these esteemed women address the nation and call for accountability for the epidemic of gender-based violence, was deeply inspiring to us both. 

After the president’s lengthy address, we went to meet Malala, a classroom heroine of ours, although there were some obstacles in our way. Once we reached the first row and had introduced ourselves to her, we were chased away by the oncoming female military march.  

Luckily, we were rescued by Letsike, who pulled us into the seats next to her and proceeded to ask about us and our movement. On hearing that we represented a Jewish youth movement, she expressed the belief that we should all be united in our diversity, which struck us deeply.  

Once the military march had passed, we were warmly greeted by Dr Tshepo Motsepe, the first lady. She showed a genuine interest in us, asking all about Habonim Dror, what we represent and stand for, and about us as individuals, including what school we attend.  

Finally, meeting Malala was the biggest honour. Being 17, the same age she was when she won the Nobel Peace Prize and made history as a feminist icon, truly empowered us. The fact that she could make a difference then, and continues to do so now, shows us that even at our age we can make a real impact in the world. 

Meeting these incredible women, from Malala to the women from the SAJBD, reminded us that every woman has the power to make a difference. Even though they have only one official day a year, we should celebrate and be grateful for the women in our lives every day. 

Gabriel Spira and Brett Maunder are members of Habonim Dror and matric pupils at Redhill School.