5 Nelson Mandela Quotes On Women, From Long Walk To Freedom

I am reading at the moment Nelson Mandela’s hugely inspiring Long Walk To Freedom, and what a book it is!

Just as Einstein said of Gandhi, that generations later, few would believe such a man had walked the earth. What is truly amazing is Mandela’s lack of bitterness and his willingness to forgive those who oppressed his people for so many decades. They also took away a good portion of his own life by making him a prisoner on the now-infamous Robben Island.

It is indeed sad for the world to lose this inspiring figure who could bring people of all kinds together in such a positive manner. However, his legacy to the world is South Africa itself. This united nation is willing to reconcile with its past, even as it struggles to build a more inclusive future.

Reading more about this period of South African history, it was inspiring. I thought it would be nice to compile some of Madiba’s thoughts about the rights and dignity of women from various speeches and writings.

Nelson Mandela quotes to think about

One

“For every woman and girl violently attacked, we reduce our humanity. For every woman forced into unprotected sex because men demand this, we destroy dignity and pride. Every woman who has to sell her life for sex we condemn to a lifetime in prison. For every moment we remain silent, we conspire against our women. For every woman infected by HIV, we destroy a generation.”

Two

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“Freedom cannot be achieved unless the women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression.”

Three

“As a tribute to the legions of women who navigated the path of fighting for justice before us, we ought to imprint in the supreme law of the land, firm principles upholding the rights of women. The women themselves and the whole of society, must make this a prime responsibility.”

Four

“Domestic violence, rape, abuse of women remain disgraceful blots on the reputation of a country that is called a miracle nation.”

Five

“I’ve never regarded women as in any way less competent than men.”

Six

“The legacy of oppression weighs heavily on women. As long as women are bound by poverty and as long as they are looked down upon, human rights will lack substance. As long as outmoded ways of thinking prevent women from making a meaningful contribution to society, progress will be slow. As long as the nation refuses to acknowledge the equal role of more than half of itself, it is doomed to failure.”

Seven

“When the women begin to take an active part in the struggle, no power on earth can stop us from achieving freedom in our lifetime”.

Eight

“If you want to change the world, help the women.”

In his personal life, although he went through a painful, somewhat controversial separation from his first wife, Winnie Mandela, he has acknowledged the enormous support she gave him through the darkest years of his life, besides the positive influence of other women, especially his mother.

Are there any Nelson Mandela quotes that you find inspiring? Do share!

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