Is it possible for the world to function without women? Can hospitals and government offices operate smoothly without finding any women— half of society?
Unfortunately, this is what was decided upon by the women of South Africa in protest against the alarming increase in femicide.
The Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) decided to launch a strike from work, both inside and outside the home, halting operations in government facilities, in order to send a message: “No to the Killing of Women.”
November 21 was set as the date for the strike, which includes all women, extending even to homemakers and domestic workers.
It aims for men to experience life without women to fully realize the impact of their contributions.
FEDSAW is an anti-apartheid organization composed of women from various groups, including the African National Congress Women’s League.
Its aim is to amplify the voice of women whose movement contributed to the Congress of the People in 1955, where the Freedom Charter was adopted.
This was achieved by presenting a document called “What Women Demand”, which addressed needs such as provisions for childcare, housing, education, equal pay, and equal rights with men concerning property, marriage, and child custody.
In any case, the history of women’s struggle in South Africa is long and no less significant than the history of men resisting apartheid. In response to femicide rates being noticeably excessive recently, the Day Without Women initiative was launched.
On this day, many women wear black and will remain in their homes.
It was also decided to change profile pictures to the purple color, which symbolizes the feminist movement and women’s rights.
These are measures intended to make men live in fear, especially if they are in an area where members of the Women’s Movement and Women’s Federation are active!
The conclusion is that when a woman searches for her rights, she will affirm her right to life alongside men, at home or at work, equally and without discrimination. This is a belief that men must embrace to achieve a better life with their them, enabling both genders to live in peace, tranquility, and harmony.
When a woman is absent from home and work, a man will not be dancing with joy, as we sometimes see on social media, simply because his wife is gone and he can find others elsewhere.
Instead, he will feel like he is in a desolate, terrifying desert, all because women have collectively decided to strike.
In short, a woman is never a second-class citizen, and she should not suffer from rape, sexual violence, or killing. When she has reached her breaking point, she will revolt against men to obtain the most basic of rights.
As the Prophet Mohammed commanded us: “Treat women well.”
Author’s biography
A seasoned journalist since 1991, Mohamed Amin has contributed to numerous publications, including Al-Naba newspaper, and served as a correspondent for Agence France-Presse (AFP).
His career trajectory includes several prominent editorial roles, culminating in his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper in 2016.
He has also held the position of Editor-in-Chief for the Cairo-based October Magazine in July 2017.
