The University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus marked Women’s Month by celebrating the strength, resilience, compassion and leadership of women, while reflecting on the progress made and the work that remains to create a more inclusive and empowering society.  

As part of the campus’s Women’s Month activities, the annual Women’s Breakfast was held at the Sedibeng Building on Thursday 13 August 2026. The event brought together women staff members and members of the Bakoena Royal House for an occasion centred on reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to women’s empowerment. 

The gathering provided an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of women to the university and broader society, while highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for women to lead, supporting young women in reaching their potential, and working collectively towards safer communities. 

Moving from presence to influence 

The University of the Free State Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Hester C. Klopper, welcomed attendees and reflected on the significance of Women’s Month. She acknowledged the progress women have made, while emphasising the need to continue creating opportunities that prepare young women to shape the future. 

Prof Klopper encouraged women to move beyond simply being present and to become influential in their respective spaces. She highlighted the importance of empowering young women to realise their potential and equipping them to take up leadership roles.

She also emphasised that women’s empowerment cannot be separated from the need to create safe environments in which women can live, work and participate without fear.

 “Another important aspect close to my heart and critical at the University of the Free State is that of safety. Women can only celebrate, and we can be celebrated, the day that we are honestly safe and free to move anywhere. We need to make sure that, no matter where we find ourselves across our campuses, we are in a space that is safe and free from any possibility of gender-based violence, assault, or intimidation,” she said.

Prof Klopper called for collective responsibility in creating safer spaces and highlighted the role women play in raising and guiding boys and young men. 

“Let’s collectively step up and look out for one another. This also brings me to a point we should never forget as women: the boy child. It is women who are raising boys. It is women who set the boundaries and help them understand what they should and should not cross. So, as much as we stand for women’s rights and empowerment, and as we move beyond representation, my appeal is that we should also not forget our boys and the men in our lives, because they need strong women,” said Prof Klopper. 

Her message reinforced the broader significance of Women’s Month: that celebrating women should also involve addressing the challenges that affect women and girls, building safer communities and recognising the role women play in shaping future generations. 

Leadership begins with intention

Connie Mashaba, founder of Black Like Me, encouraged women to lead with intention, work together and build partnerships that contribute to addressing challenges within their communities and society. 

In her opening remarks, Mashaba reminded attendees that leadership is not defined by titles or positions, but by the choices they make and the influence they have on those around them. 

“Today is not only simply about celebrating women; it is about celebrating courage, resilience and those ordinary women who wake up every morning and quietly perform extraordinary acts of love and sacrifice, often without applause,” said Mashaba.

She emphasised that leadership begins long before it is recognised by others and is reflected in how individuals treat people who may have nothing to offer them, how they conduct themselves when no one is watching, and how they contribute to their homes and communities. 

“Leadership begins long before anyone notices you. It begins in how you treat people who can do absolutely nothing for you. It begins in how you respond when nobody is watching. It begins in your home and community. Leadership begins in your choices, not your titles,” she said.

Mashaba further encouraged women to recognise the value of their individual experiences and voices, urging them not to underestimate the contribution they can make simply because their perspectives may differ from those of others. 

“Every woman in this room carries experience that no one else possesses. Never underestimate the value of your voice simply because it sounds different. Sometimes the voice that changes everything is the one that almost remains silent,” said Mashaba.

She also highlighted the importance of women supporting one another through collaboration, mentorship and meaningful partnerships, while creating opportunities for engagement across generations. She encouraged women to draw strength from one another’s experiences, while recognising the valuable ideas, skills and perspectives that younger women bring.

Through collaboration, mentorship and intentional leadership, Mashaba  encouraged women not only to celebrate their achievements, but also to contribute actively to creating opportunities, solving problems and empowering the women who will follow in their footsteps. 

Celebrating women, inspiring change 

The Qwaqwa Campus Women’s Month activities served as a reminder that the celebration of women extends beyond a single event. They provide an opportunity to recognise women’s contributions, reflect on the challenges that continue to affect women and girls, and reaffirm a collective commitment to creating opportunities for women to participate meaningfully and lead.