The Complex Layers of Patriarchy, Colonialism, and the Systemic Barriers Women Face

By: Ephreeda Banda

Breaking down systemic barriers is not a quiet process. It is an act of courage, a commitment to resilience, and a willingness to speak truth to power. This was the driving message behind the Women's Round Table at Rhodes University. This event celebrated the unbreakable spirit of women and their determination to lead, resist, and create a more equitable world for all.

As one of the final events in the 2025 SRC Leadership Week, the Women's Round Table was a powerful pinnacle of discussions on good governance and transformative leadership. The "Unbreakable Women Run the World to Inspire Change" session was a poignant and timely conversation held in honour of Women's Month. It delved into the complex layers of patriarchy, colonialism, and the systemic barriers women face in every facet of life, from households to leadership roles.

The speakers, Bukho Gwayana, the 2024 SRC Vice-President; Sue Smailes, Director of the Vice-Chancellor's Office and Chairperson of the Sports Council; and Noluyolo Mabuza, a GBV Activist and LLB Graduate, offered a robust and honest discussion on the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in today's world.

One of the key speakers, Sue Smailes, was direct in her opinion: leadership as a woman is a challenge, not a given. She encouraged the students in attendance to seize every opportunity, stressing that courage, resilience, kindness, and authenticity are not just admirable traits but essential tools for navigating male-dominated fields. Smailes pointed out the double pressure women often face, the feeling that they must be better than men to be considered good enough. This sentiment resonated deeply, particularly as the discussion explored how men's support can sometimes feel foreign to women who are so accustomed to intimidation, a reality that often fuels their resolve to take up space.

Bukho Gwayana made this reality personal by sharing her own experience. She spoke of the doubt she faced from her council but emphasised the importance of trusting her gut and making decisions despite the criticism. Her story was a powerful testament to the idea that women can be assertive without being unfairly labelled as emotional - a standard and damaging stereotype. Gwayana encouraged her peers to lean on their communities for growth, to be open to criticism, and most importantly, to trust their capabilities and beliefs.

The round table also delved into the profound role of feminism in confronting these issues, particularly for Black women. The speakers highlighted that having a feminist heart is crucial in the daily battle against patriarchy and colonialism. They explained that women find a unique solace and strength in each other, a collective resilience born from shared struggle.

Noluyolo Mabuza clarified a common misconception, stating that feminism is not anti-men but seeks equal representation and a world where women's contributions are utilised and celebrated. She stressed that when women express their injustices, they are not "angry"; they advocate for the fundamental change that will make society more just for everyone. The discussion also touched on the importance of normalising conversations around topics like menstruation, advocating for a society that is open and supportive of women's health needs.

The discussion was not just theoretical; it was grounded in the stark reality of statistics on gender-based violence and injustice. The speakers quickly reminded everyone that these numbers represent real people's stories. Resistance, they noted, can be found in even the simplest of acts, a young girl refusing a forced marriage or a woman reclaiming her right to make decisions about her future. This reclamation of rights, whether over one's name, land, or life, is a quiet but powerful revolution happening every day.

It was also mentioned that men can be feminists, and their support is crucial to the fight. The speakers agreed that while being a man can also be challenging, men should continue to support and protect women, allowing them to have a voice and occupy spaces based on their capabilities, not just their gender.

Accountability was another central theme, with Noluyolo Mabuza focusing on South Africa's justice system. She argued that laws are merely pieces of paper; their impact lies in their enforcement. This call for accountability was powerfully linked to Sue Smailes' recollection of her involvement in the #FeesMustFall movement in 2015. She marched alongside Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela, and her experience served as a potent example of the courage required to stand up against injustices and speak truth to power. She emphasised that leadership should be based on purpose and values, rather than external pressures.

As the Women's Round Table concluded, the speakers offered a final, inspiring message to the young women in the room. Bukho Gwayana encouraged self-trust and belief, openness to criticism, and leaning on one's community for growth. Noluyolo Mabuza advised her 18-year-old self to be brave and embrace her individuality. Sue Smailes' final advice was a powerful call to action: "Keep going, speak out, and do not give up."

Smailes further cited Avuxeni Tyala, the 2023 SRC president at Rhodes University, as an example of respectful yet firm leadership, proving that leading with strong morals and creativity is possible. The round table was a potent reminder that, despite the challenges, the unbreakable spirit of women is not just surviving - it is thriving and ready to run the world to inspire change. The session left no doubt that the path forward is difficult, but with shared purpose and unwavering resilience, a more equitable future is within reach.