Web-Series Highlights Triumphs, Struggles For South African Women

Photo: Vimeo 

South Africa commemorates Women’s Month this August as an annual tribute to the more than 20,000 mothers, daughters, and sisters who marched to the Union Buildings against apartheid-passed laws in 1956.

The South African government declared August 9 as Women’s Day, so, in lieu of the impending celebration, Mmabatho Monthsho has produced a 10-part web series centered on advocating about sex and its impact on the lives of women across South Africa. Those mothers, daughters, and sisters in South Africa are scarcely paid for the work they provide in the region.

According to The Women’s Report 2015: Equal Pay for Equal Value, the South African Board for People’s Practices highlights that women who hold a Bachelor’s Degree in social sciences or humanities, as well as business studies major, are “more likely to earn lower incomes than those who hold degrees in sciences or accounting.”

If women contribute equally, then why should they not earn equally? On average, women who hold such distinctions earn 15 percent less for doing the same jobs as men. Women are also harassed and accosted sexually by their male counterparts almost on the daily. The Johannesburg-based actress and director Mmabatho Montsho and her web series focuses on sex, and features candid interviews from doctors, pastors, businesswomen and television and radio personalities.

“There are so many factors that influence not only how and when black women have sex, but also how, where and when we are able to talk about it freely,” Mmabatho said in a press release. “Social media has provided a wonderful platform for black women to ensure that their voices are heard and as a budding director, I felt I could contribute another platform for candid conversations about sex and to put it on record. It is a conversation that needs to be encouraged beyond Women’s Month.”

The South African Department of Health has recently distributed 3 billion male condoms, 54 million female condoms and 60 million lubricant packets, which is supposed to be doled out over the next three years. By redesigning its safe sex campaign, the government and health department are attempting to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and STD infections in half by 2016. The region, which has one of the world’s highest incidences of HIV, has seen a rise among young adults over the past few years, as well as a decrease in condom use across all age groups.

The first episode of Women on Sex makes it debut today, August 7, on YouTube. Be sure to watch the trailer for the series above and check out Women on Sex on Facebook and Twitter.

[via OkayAfrica]
Main Image: InnaFelker / Shutterstock.com

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