This year’s Women’s Month in Bitou was marked by a significant shift in approach, emphasizing the importance of listening to women and addressing their contemporary needs. Instead of the municipality dictating the agenda, efforts were made to understand and celebrate what Women’s Month means to modern women.

The commemoration began with a series of engagements and discussions, recognizing that today's women, much like those who took a stand on August 9, 1956, against apartheid, face their own set of challenges. These conversations were crucial in shaping the new way of commemorating Women’s Month.

Key events included:

June 5, 2024: “Conversations with SHE,” where 40 women, including pupils from Plett Secondary and Murray High School, businesswomen, subsistence farmers, and owners of ECD Centres, came together to exchange ideas and perspectives.

July 27, 2024: Breakfast with Ladies, during which the Bitou Women’s Forum was established. This forum is now responsible for addressing women’s issues within the community.

TBC: The Bitou Women’s Day Celebration is yet to be scheduled, promising further acknowledgement and celebration of women's contributions.

This approach reflects a deeper commitment to understanding and supporting women in Bitou, making Women’s Month a true reflection of their voices and aspirations.


Further, the Bitou Communications Section conducted interviews with Women around Bitou who are trailblazers in their respective fields. 

This special edition has profiles of: 

1. A Community Pillar and Entrepreneur: Vuyokazi Kitsi:
2. Woman in Tourism: CEO Tourism: Patty Butterworth 
3. Woman in Sport: Nondumiso Mvandaba 
4. Woman in Leadership: Esmeralda Natasha Barnes
5. Woman in Construction: Odwa Majova
6. Woman in the Arts: Amanda Valela