International Women's Day - SA stars who are all about 'girl power'
From Kass Naidoo to Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, these local stars are all about women empowerment.
It's International Women's Day, and to celebrate we are shining the spotlight on some of South Africa's inspiring female celebrities.
Women around the world are marking the day by taking part in protests calling for gender equality, and highlighting issues such as sexual harassment in the workplace.
This year's theme is #PressforProgress.
"Leading by example and possessing a gender parity mindset drive positive action and change. When diversity and inclusion are celebrated, equality thrives. Championing women's equality across all spheres is very important," the International National Women's Day website says.
South Africa has no shortage of inspiring women, and we are showing them some love on International Women’s Day
Thando Thabethe
TV Personality Thando Thabethe is known for her famous booty, but there is more to this star than good looks. The actress is a smart woman, who is using her talents to help build an empire. She launched an underwear and shapewear line last year, and has several big projects planned for 2018. Thando is also big on supporting women's issues. "I’m an activist, feminist and huge supporter of women’s rights," she told Marie Claire for its 2017 Naked Issue. Speaking to Huff Post SA, the 27-year-old says feminism is something she grew into. "As a woman, it came organically. It makes me so glad to see women, young and old, breaking norms across all industries – starting businesses and just making names for themselves in entertainment. It feels really good," she told the publication this month.
Liesl Laurie
Former Miss South Africa Liesl Laurie is all about women empowerment. The Jacaranda FM presenter told the City Press shortly after her crowning that her passion to help women was inspired by her mother's past drug addiction. "Watching her go through these obstacles taught me that it doesn’t matter how far down you fall. You can always get up, dust yourself and start building again. I salute her,” she told the publication. Liesl has worked with organisations that help women overcome drug addiction, prostitution and abuse.
Kass Naidoo
Kass Naidoo is proof that women have what it takes to succeed in a male-dominated industry. The media specialist's love for cricket helped her become one of the most recognised sports presenters in South Africa. Kass became SA’s first female television cricket commentator at the age of 27. More than a decade later she is still a force to reckon with in the field. Pushing through glass ceilings is not easy, but Kass was inspired by women doing just that. "I was a little anxious about flying to Doha to talk about women’s sport when I bought Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. Her message of leaning in at the table and pushing through glass ceilings was inspirational," she said in an interview with Good Housekeeping.
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters
Miss World Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters has made it her mission to better the lives of women during her reign. The Western Cape beauty was one of many A-list stars who supported the 'Time's Up' campaign on the Golden Globes red-carpet earlier this year by wearing all black. The campaign was started by Hollywood celebrities after several women spoke out about being victims of sexual harassment in the industry. "I was proud to stand in solidarity with women all over the world that have ever been affected by any form of inequality or abuse. The time of tolerating injustice is up," Demi-Leigh wrote on Instagram.