This Women’s Day, we’re celebrating 20 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa: 20 years of equal rights, and 20 years of empowering women through education and the right to choose.
Are you an empowered South African woman? Today’s the day to take charge of your life and become the strong, confident, independent and phenomenal woman you’ve always dreamed of being. Here are five ways to start.
2. Make your own life choices.
In 2014, there is nothing men can do that women can’t – the only person standing in your way is you. Decide what you want to do with your life and what will make you happy, and go for it! With hard work and dedication, anything you dream of can be yours.
3. Be proud of your decisions.
Whether you opt to be an astronaut or a stay-at-home mom, be proud of your choices. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the amazing contributions of women in history – but we also wouldn’t be where we are without the selfless mothers, sisters and community builders who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
4. Take charge of your health.
Today, women have so many ways of keeping themselves healthy and safe from STIs and unplanned pregnancy. Thanks to contraceptives, preventative screenings, safe abortions and antenatal care, you have the ability to protect yourself from disease and make empowered decisions about your body and your future family weather you plan on having a little basketball team or not have children at all. Whether or not you’re sexually active, be proud of your body and go for regular sexual health screenings.
5.Give yourself permission to enjoy sex.
Having a great time in bed doesn’t make you a ‘slut’ or devalue you as a woman as that infamous saying goes, partners lurv a lady in the street and a freak in the bed right!Sex is not just about pleasing your man; you have every right to desire and enjoy sex too! You also have every right to ditch a guy who doesn’t care about your needs, doesn’t treat you with respect or forces you to do things you don’t want to do. There are tons of good guys out there so don’t waste your time with a bad one.
6.Share your knowledge with others.
Be a positive influence in the lives of other girls and women around you. The best way to teach others is by sharing stories and lessons learned, so spread your knowledge and insight. Teach your children about sex and discuss your sexual health issues, concerns or experiences with someone you trust. Sharing our experiences binds us as a community and strengthens us as individuals.
If you aren’t sure where to start, why not contact Marie Stopes? We know it’s not always easy to talk about sexual health, which is why we’re here to help. We also offer a range of women’s health services at affordable rates, from pregnancy tests and contraceptive consultations to pap smears and STI and HIV testing.