On the evening of 17th October 2020, ANC veteran Dr. Naledi Pandor delivered the prestigious Gertrude Shope Memorial Lecture at the University of Johannesburg. The event was organized by the ANC Women’s League to honor the life and legacy of the late struggle stalwart, Gertrude Shope, who was a fearless advocate for women’s rights and a dedicated member of the ANC.
The lecture hall was filled with a diverse audience, including students, academics, political leaders, and members of the public. The atmosphere was one of anticipation and excitement as everyone eagerly awaited the insights and wisdom that Dr. Pandor would share.
As the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Pandor has a wealth of experience and knowledge in both national and international affairs. She is also a respected member of the ANC and has been a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and gender equality.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Pandor paid tribute to Gertrude Shope, highlighting her contributions to the struggle against apartheid and her unwavering commitment to the ANC. She also emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by women like Shope, who played a crucial role in shaping our democracy.
Dr. Pandor’s lecture focused on the theme of “Women in Leadership: Challenges and Opportunities.” She shared her personal experiences and challenges as a woman in leadership and highlighted the progress that has been made in terms of gender equality in South Africa. She also acknowledged that there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving true gender parity and called on all sectors of society to work together towards this goal.
The audience was captivated by Dr. Pandor’s eloquence and passion as she discussed the various challenges faced by women in leadership, including gender-based violence, unequal pay, and lack of representation in decision-making positions. She stressed the need for women to support and uplift each other, rather than competing against one another.
Dr. Pandor also spoke about the opportunities that exist for women in leadership, such as the increasing number of women in parliament and the private sector. She encouraged women to seize these opportunities and use their voices to bring about positive change in their communities and the country as a whole.
The lecture ended with a lively question and answer session, where the audience had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Pandor and share their thoughts and ideas. The event was a resounding success, with many attendees expressing their gratitude for the thought-provoking lecture and the opportunity to hear from such a respected leader.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Pandor urged everyone to continue the legacy of Gertrude Shope by actively working towards a more equal and just society. She also called on the younger generation to learn from the struggles and triumphs of the past and use their voices to shape a better future for all.
The Gertrude Shope Memorial Lecture not only honored the life and legacy of a remarkable woman but also provided a platform for important discussions on women in leadership. Dr. Naledi Pandor’s powerful and inspiring words will surely resonate with all who attended and will continue to motivate and empower women to strive for greater representation and equality in all spheres of life.