Natal Organisation of Women
The Natal Organisation of Women (NOW) was a regional women's organization in South Africa in the Natal area. NOW was founded in 1983 and affiliated with the United Democratic Front (UDF).{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HwqQCwAAQBAJ&dq=%22natal+organisation+of+women%22&pg=PA202|title=Historical Dictionary of Women in Sub-Saharan Africa|last=Sheldon|first=Kathleen|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|year=2016|isbn=9781442262935|edition=2nd|pages=202}} NOW included women from all ages, class and races.{{Sfn|Hassim|2006|p=134}} NOW's values were in opposition of those expressed by the Inkatha's women's groups.{{Cite book |last=Geisler |first=Gisela |url=https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:nai:diva-102 |title=Women and the Remaking of Politics in Southern Africa: Negotiating Autonomy, Incorporation and Representation |publisher=Nordic Africa Institute |year=2005 |isbn=9789171065155 |pages=72}}
History
Since 1980, women felt that there was a need for "an ongoing programme that would unite women and deal with women's issues."{{Cite web|url=http://www.sahistory.org.za/organisations/natal-organisation-women-now|title=Natal Organisation of Women (NOW)|date=30 March 2011|website=South African History Online|access-date=8 September 2016}} A group of women founded NOW in December 1983. One of the founding members was Victoria Mxenge.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/pebble.asp?relid=7951|title=Mlungisi Griffiths Mxenge and Victoria Nonyamezelo|website=The Presidency of South Africa|access-date=8 September 2016}} NOW launched the group on August 9, 1984.{{Sfn|Meer|1998|p=122}} The issues they focused on included the cost of living, housing and problems surrounding maternity and childcare in South Africa.{{Cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YOHHNsobjPIC&dq=%22natal+organisation+of+women%22&pg=PA283|title=Women in South African History: They Remove Boulders and Cross Rivers|last=Cherry|first=Janet|publisher=Human Sciences Research Council|year=2007|isbn=9780796921741|editor-last=Gasa|editor-first=Nomboniso|pages=283|chapter='We Were Not Afraid': The Role of Women in the 1980s' Township Uprising in the Eastern Cape}} The first branches of NOW were located in Durban. The first president of NOW was Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.{{Cite web|url=http://psiimpact.com/2013/07/the-daily-impact-un-women-taps-former-south-african-leader/|title=The Daily Impact: UN Women Taps Former South African Leader|date=11 July 2013|website=Impact|access-date=9 September 2016}} When Mxenge was killed, NOW organized a demonstration in Durban.{{Sfn|Meer|1998|p=135}}
NOW disbanded in 1990 and members joined with the African National Congress (ANC).
Notable members
References
= Citations =
{{Reflist}}
= Sources =
- {{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9aTsUA-9qXMC&dq=%22natal+organisation+of+women%22&pg=PA249|title=Women's Organizations and Democracy in South Africa: Contesting Authority|last=Hassim|first=Shireen|author-link=Shireen Hassim|publisher=The University of Wisconsin Press|year=2006|isbn=9780299213831}}
- {{Cite book|title=Women Speak: Reflections on Our Struggles, 1982-1997|last=Meer|first=Shamim|publisher=Kwela Books|year=1998|isbn=0795700822}}
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Category:1983 establishments in South Africa
Category:1990 disestablishments in South Africa
Category:Anti-apartheid organisations