Tradition vs Modernism

53 years ago women from all walks of life made their way to the Union Building in Pretoria to protest against the extension of government regulations to African women concerning the carrying of passes; they were led by Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Sophia Williams and Rahima Moosa. Therefore South Africa celebrates the month of August as Women's month. And also the declaration of the African Union that saw the year 2015 declared as the year of women empowerment. But women around the world still face numerous challenges, ranging from lack of representation in high senior position in big corporates and government departments. However there are also many challenges women face when it comes to marriage and marriage practices. The challenges are sometimes supported by our very own African culture. We can even go to the bible where Apostle Paul says when he was talking to the Church in Corinth. 1st Corinthians versus 14 to 35 "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church" So clearly the challenges are deeper than one can think. To help us analyse the situation we have Professor Tom Sengani Associate Professor in Discourse Analysis, at the University of South Africa, Tsholofelo Sesanga, Community Interventions Manager at the Centre of the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, and Advocate Sabelo Sibanda, Founder: The School of African Awareness and Ama-Africa-Aqotho: