Red Lipstick
There’s nothing that quite makes a statement more than fire engine red lipstick. Gwyneth Paltrow put it best when she said “Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick”. Its feminine, bold and speaks volumes about the courageous and fearless women who wear it.
On the 9th of August 1956, 20 000 courageous women descended on the streets of Pretoria and walked to the Union Buildings, the home of the South African government in groups of two or three to protest against the introduction of Apartheid pass laws for black women in South Africa, and to petition for equal rights and other provisions. A peaceful but powerful protest, the women stood silent for 30 minutes before singing “Nkosi Sikelel‘ iAfrika’ and then a freedom song called ‘Wathint’ abafazi, Strijdom’ – when you strike the women, you strike a rock.
Yes, indeed.
Today, on Women’s Day the 9th of August 2020, we celebrate these incredible women and the courageous women in our society today. The World Health Organisation reports that women comprise of 70% of the global health workforce and are in the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19i. During the time of the pandemic, many women are juggling childcare and family responsibilities as well as their careers. A recent UN report describes the impact of COVID-19 on women globally, indicating that the pandemic has deepened pre-existing inequalities and exposed vulnerabilities for women worldwide.
To the women navigating all of these challenges with an unwavering resolve – we salute you.
Nine dynamic and courageous women form part of the female-owned Black Sheep Design team. We offer design and build solutions for commercial properties in South Africa – creating customised work environments that stimulate and enhance the productivity of the workforce.
We believe in bold designs, like we do bold lipstick. In Support of Woman’s Day, we wear our red lipstick – albeit it covered by our masks – in support of brave women across South Africa.
Wathint’ Abafazi!
