society
August Women: From Union Buildings to Nigerian Villages ~ A Global Celebration of Women’s Power
August Women: From Union Buildings to Nigerian Villages ~ A Global Celebration of Women’s Power.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG.com
On August 9, 1956, an extraordinary act of courage unfolded in Pretoria, South Africa. Over 20,000 women of all races (Africans, Coloureds, Indians and Whites) marched to the Union Buildings, the seat of the apartheid government. They came not with weapons or violence, but with unyielding determination. Their mission was clear: to demand an end to the dehumanising “pass laws” that restricted the movement of Black South Africans.
Led by fearless women such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, the marchers handed over petitions to then-Prime Minister J.G. Strijdom, declaring their resistance to a system that sought to control their very existence. They stood in silence for 30 minutes, a silence that roared louder than any war cry, before breaking into song “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo!” (“You strike a woman, you strike a rock”).
This was not merely a protest. It was a historic declaration that women would no longer be silent in the face of injustice. It was a reminder to governments and societies worldwide that oppressing women is a war against humanity itself.
From Protest to National Recognition. In 1995, a year after South Africa’s first democratic elections, President Nelson Mandela’s government officially declared August 9th a public holiday (National Women’s Day) to honour the bravery of the 1956 marchers. Since then, August has been celebrated as Women’s Month, not only to remember the past but to reaffirm the fight against gender inequality, gender-based violence and economic exclusion of women.
South African Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, once said: “When we celebrate Women’s Month, we are not merely applauding history; we are committing ourselves to dismantle every barrier that still exists for women today.”
Indeed, the challenges are far from over. While women’s political participation has improved (South Africa boasts one of the highest proportions of women in parliament globally) economic inequality and violence against women remain severe. The South African Police Service reported over 53,000 sexual offences in 2024, most of them against women and children.
The Nigerian Women’s August Meeting: A Parallel Tradition of Power. Interestingly, while South Africa commemorates its historic Women’s March every August, another powerful women’s tradition unfolds in Nigeria. Across many Nigerian communities, August Meeting is a month-long homecoming for women (especially those living in cities and abroad) who return to their home towns to deliberate on development, peace and social progress.
Originating in the 1940s and strengthened in the post-independence era, the August Meeting is not a festival of mere socialising. It is a deliberative assembly where women discuss pressing issues ie; education, healthcare, domestic violence, youth empowerment and community development projects. Funds are raised, schools are renovated, health centres are equipped and scholarships are awarded.
Dr. Uche Azikiwe, wife of Nigeria’s first president, once described the August Meeting as: “A parliament of women by women, for women and for the society. It is a model of grassroots democracy that men would do well to learn from.”
The meetings also serve as conflict resolution platforms, where disputes within families and communities are addressed before they escalate. In a society where patriarchy often sidelines women’s voices, the August Meeting reaffirms women’s agency and leadership in governance; albeit at the community level.
Shared Spirit: From Pretoria to Nigerian Villages. Although separated by geography and context, South Africa’s 1956 Women’s March and Nigeria’s August Meeting share a common spirit: the unshakeable determination of women to shape the destiny of their communities. Both movements are rooted in the understanding that women are not just nurturers of homes but architects of nations.
As the Zulu saying from the 1956 march goes:
“Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo!”
Translated: “You strike a woman, you strike a rock.” This phrase captures the indomitable resilience of women, whether they are facing the apartheid regime in Pretoria or tackling social issues in rural Nigeria.
Why Women’s Struggles Remain Urgent. Globally, the United Nations warns that gender inequality could take up to 300 years to close at the current rate of progress. Women continue to earn less than men for the same work, face higher unemployment rates and bear the disproportionate burden of unpaid domestic labour.
In Africa, the World Bank reports that only 37% of women have access to formal employment, compared to 55% of men. In Nigeria, the National Bureau of Statistics records a 30% wage gap between men and women. Moreover, gender-based violence remains a global crisis. In South Africa, a woman is murdered every three hours, according to 2024 police statistics. In Nigeria, rape conviction rates are below 2%, despite rising reports.
As Nigerian human rights activist Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin has often said: “A society that fails to protect its women has no moral authority to call itself civilised.”
Beyond Celebration: A Call to Action. While August is a month of celebration, it must also be a month of reckoning. Honouring women means more than giving speeches and issuing symbolic awards. It requires concrete action, laws that protect women from violence, policies that promote equal pay and investment in girls’ education.
Countries that have embraced gender equality have reaped massive benefits. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, closing the gender gap in Africa’s labour force could add $316 billion to the continent’s GDP by 2030. Empowering women is not charity. It is an economic necessity.
A Personal Tribute. As a Nigerian living in South Africa, I am struck by the beautiful coincidence that both South Africa and Nigerian women have chosen August to celebrate women’s strength and leadership. I celebrate:
The women of South Africa, whose bravery in 1956 still inspires freedom movements worldwide.
The women of Nigeria, especially those who sustain the tradition of the August Meeting, shaping their communities with wisdom and courage.
The women of the world, who daily resist discrimination, build businesses, raise families, and stand at the frontlines of change.
I echo the words of Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee, who led the women’s peace movement that ended Liberia’s civil war:
“You can never leave footprints that last if you are always walking on tiptoe.”
Parting Thoughts: Rocks Do Not Break Easily. The women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 were rocks. The Nigerian women who gather each August are rocks. The mothers, daughters and sisters who hold communities together are rocks. Rocks may be weathered by time, but they are not broken easily.
As we celebrate Women’s Month and the August Meeting this year, let us remember that the fight for women’s equality is far from over. Let us commit ourselves to dismantling every remaining barrier (legal, economic, and cultural) that stands in the way of full equality.
This is because when you strike a woman, you do not just strike a rock, you strike the very foundation of civilisation.
Happy Women’s Day.
By. George Omagbemi Sylvester
Empowered Women, Stronger Nation: Building Futures Through Property Ownership
As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, attention rightly turns to the extraordinary role women play in shaping families, communities, and national economies. Beyond nurturing homes and leading in boardrooms, women are increasingly emerging as powerful drivers of nation-building through one of the most transformative assets of all, property ownership.
Across Nigeria, women are steadily breaking long-standing barriers in business, governance, technology, education, and entrepreneurship. Their expanding economic influence is uplifting households, strengthening institutions, and reinforcing the nation’s financial foundation. The evidence is clear: when women earn, communities prosper; when women invest, societies advance.
One of the most visible expressions of this progress is in real estate acquisition. Property ownership empowers women with security, stability, and the ability to build generational wealth. A home is more than a structure of concrete and steel, it is a platform for legacy, enterprise, social mobility, and long-term influence.
From young professionals purchasing their first plots of land to seasoned executives expanding diversified investment portfolios, Nigerian women are redefining wealth creation and strategic future planning. Their growing presence in the property market signals a cultural and economic shift toward asset-backed empowerment.
Real estate remains one of the safest and most rewarding investment paths, and women are embracing the opportunity with confidence. Their participation is reshaping urban development patterns, influencing housing demand, and stimulating construction, infrastructure growth, and employment value chains nationwide.
At Adron Homes and Properties, empowering women through property ownership is seen as a direct investment in national progress. Every woman who secures land or a home strengthens family stability, fuels economic growth, and inspires future generations to dream bigger and aim higher.
This International Women’s Day, women are celebrated not only for who they are, but for what they build:
* Builders of families
* Drivers of economic growth
* Investors in the future
* Architects of generational wealth
To honor their impact, Adron Homes is expanding access to ownership through flexible payment plans, inclusive investment opportunities, and customer-friendly support services designed to make property acquisition simple, transparent, and rewarding.
Because when women rise, nations thrive. And when women own property, the future is secured.
society
PALESH KENYA 2026 Ends in Grand Style as UNIPGC African Continental Chapter Honors Prof. Patrick Lumumba (PLO) as PATRON
*PALESH KENYA 2026 Ends in Grand Style as UNIPGC African Continental Chapter Honors Prof. Patrick Lumumba (PLO) as PATRON*
The 15th Edition of the *UNIPGC PAN AFRICAN LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM and HONORS (PALESH) Kenya 2026* concluded in grand style as the African Continental Chapter of the *United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC Africa)* honored renowned Pan-Africanist, *Prof. Patrick Lumumba (PLO)* as its *PATRON* alongside other distinguished personalities.
This honor bestowed on Prof. Lumumba is in recognition of his outstanding contributions to leadership, governance advocacy, and Pan-African development.
This prestigious event which took place on *Friday, March 6, 2026*, at the *KCB Leadership Institute, Karen, Nairobi, Republic of Kenya*, attracted prominent leaders, diplomats, and professionals from across Africa.
It may be recalled that in the previous year, *Liberia’s immediate past Vice President, H.E. Jewel Howard Taylor*, was honored as MATRON UNIPGC AFRICA by the organization. H.E. Jewel Taylor served as *Vice President of Liberia from 2018 to 2024 under President George Weah and was also First Lady of Liberia from 1997 to 2003*during the presidency of her former Husband , Charles Taylor.
The *15th Edition of PALESH Kenya 2026* commenced with the *Morning Session*, which featured guest accreditation and red carpet interviews with distinguished dignitaries and participants who attended the event.
The symposium marked a significant moment in the advancement of diplomacy and leadership discourse in Africa, bringing together notable leaders from different parts of the continent.
The *Leadership Symposium* featured prominent African leaders who delivered keynote addresses centered on the theme:
*Governance for Sustainable Development: Challenges and Prospects in Africa.*
Among the distinguished keynote speakers were:
* *His Excellency Mike Mbuvi Sonko*, Former Governor of Nairobi City, Republic of Kenya.
* *His Excellency Prof. Dhadho Godhana*, Executive Governor of Tana River County, Republic of Kenya, and Chairman of the UNIPGC Advisory Council on Democracy and Governance.
* *H.E. Bishop Dr. Sinzohagera Emmanuel*, Former Senate President of the Republic of Burundi.
The event also featured the Inauguration Ceremony of Hon. Dr. Joshua Kaputa, whose oath-taking and investiture were conducted by the *UNIPGC Global President , His Excellency Amb. Dr. Jonathan Ojadah, GCOP*
The second Panel discussions and sessions were moderated by *Isabel Brenda* Founder and President of *Governance Hub Africa, Kenya*
Key speakers and topics presented during the symposium included:
* *Bishop Amb. Dr. John C. W*— *“Youth Activism and Political Participation: Shaping Africa’s Democratic Future.”*
* *Dr. Olubusola Oluwaferanmi* Founder/CEO, **FerFis Holistic Wellness (Nigeria/USA)** — *“Strengthening Democratic Governance Through Preventative Health Systems.”*
* *Mrs. Godelieve Manirakiza* (Republic of Burundi) — *“The Role of Civil Society in Sustainable Peace Building.”*
* *Maj. (Rtd) Odha* — *“Emerging Military Threats in Africa: Causes and Consequences.”*
The event also witnessed the *inauguration of several UNIPGC executives*, including:
1. *Amb. Dr. Rosaline Adedoyin Amangbo Adedoyin*– Continental Vice President, UNIPGC Africa
2. *Chief Amb. (Dr.) Gbenro Oladipupo*– Secretary General, UNIPGC Africa
3. *Amb. Dr. John C. W*– Member Advisory Committee on Leadership & Governance
4. *Amb. Dr. Joshua Kitaro Kaputa* – Country Director, UNIPGC Kenya
5. *Amb. Apostle Jane Wanja Kamau* – Country Director, UNIPGC Burundi
6. *Dr. Essien Essien Abel* – Advisory Member, UNIPGC Global Economic Council (GEC)
7. *Dr. Obie Otti Valerie Bassey* – Regional Director, UNIPGC West Africa
8. *Mr. Chukwuemeka Iheanacho Okereke* – UNIPGC Member, Special Envoy (Imo State Coordinator)
9. *Group Capt. Kalgo Sani* – Member, Advisory Council on Security & Sustainable Peace Building
Certificates of recognition were presented by **Dr. Carlos Sousa*, Member of the *UNIPGC Supreme Council* and Secretary General, UNIPGC CANADA .
The event concluded with an elegant Evening Session , highlighted by a glamorous *All-White Peace Ambassadors Gala Dinner and Award Reception*, celebrating diplomacy, leadership, and African excellence.
UNIPGC is a diplomatic civil society organization dedicated to promoting *sustainable peace, good governance advocacy, and poverty eradication* across the globe. The organization advances its mission through education, seminars, conferences, conflict resolution initiatives, mediation, publications, lectures, and the deployment of peace emissaries where necessary.
UNIPGC has also established educational capacity-building institutions such as the Chartered Institute of Peace and Governance (CIPG) and the American University of Peace and Governance (AUPG), which serve as platforms for training diplomats, leaders, and peace ambassadors worldwide.
Through its educational programs, UNIPGC seeks to develop the capacity of global leaders, with a focus on promoting the principles that foster good governance and peaceful coexistence among societies.
The organization further aims to collaborate with governments, United Nations agencies, and diplomatic missions worldwide to support the mandates of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to the organization:
*”We are working closely with UN organs in various countries to strengthen the relationship between the United Nations and the people of member states, while also creating public awareness about the activities and initiatives of the UN.”*
China’s Mosquito‑Sized Microdrone Ushers in a New Era of Covert Surveillance
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
China’s National University of Defence Technology (NUDT) has developed a mosquito‑sized microdrone designed for covert surveillance and reconnaissance operations, revealing the prototype in June 2025 during a broadcast on China’s military channel CCTV‑7. The insect‑inspired device, measuring roughly 2 cm long and weighing about 0.3 grams, mimics living insect flight with two tiny flapping wings and hair‑thin legs, making it hard to detect by conventional systems.
Unveiled in Hunan Province, central China, the project leverages cutting‑edge micro‑electronics, bionic engineering, and lightweight materials to push the limits of micro aerial vehicle (MAV) technology. According to NUDT student Liang Hexiang, miniature platforms such as this one are “especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield,” suggesting military applications where larger drones are impractical.
China’s push into micro‑robotics reflects a broader global trend, but the leap toward devices that resemble real insects raises intense debate. Proponents highlight the possibilities for close‑quarters intelligence gathering, urban reconnaissance, and operations in confined or denied spaces where typical UAVs cannot penetrate. Meanwhile, experts caution that limited power, short flight duration, and minimal payload capacity currently constrain real‑world performance, meaning these prototypes remain largely experimental.
Beyond military prospects, the innovation underscores China’s strategic focus on unmanned systems and AI‑integrated platforms, positioning it alongside other nations racing to explore next‑generation surveillance robotics. However, as the technology advances, concerns about privacy, ethical use, and potential misuse are intensifying, prompting calls for clear regulatory frameworks to govern ultra‑small drones that could blend unnoticed into civilian environments.
The mosquito‑sized microdrone thus symbolises both technological ambition and the complex challenges of balancing innovation with security and civil liberties in an era of shrinking machines with expanding capabilities.
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