A group of women from the township of Umlazi outside Durban formed a group called Phaphama Club. "Phaphama" means "wake up." The members are neighbors who meet monthly to discuss their problems and how to solve them. They also share their personal joys and griefs with one another. Since these meetings started, two women have had babies. They collected money to buy baby clothes. The occasion gave them time to talk.

A club member said, "Coming together has given us a chance to learn different things. We have organized workshops. One was on child abuse. We called a social worker to tell us about this. Another workshop was on women and the law. A lawyer told us how the South African law sees women. Slowly we will learn other things which affect women." Workshops are held every third Sunday of each month.

The lawyer who talked about women and the law gave the Umlazi women a shock. They found out that the law does little to protect the interests of married women. The husband is given the right to make important decisions for his wife.

One woman said, "I cannot believe how unfair the law is towards women. What are we going to do about this?" Another said, "There is much to do about a new South Africa. It is up to us to make sure that these unjust laws go so that South Africa will be new for women as well."

The women felt strongly that it is they who have the responsibility to ensure that a future South Africa has new, non-sexist laws. "How are we going to make sure this happens?" one woman asked.

Another answered, "Let us come together, bring in more women. We must share ideas. If we do not, we will be left behind."

The Phaphama Club members have realized that women are always being left behind, locked in their houses by housework and child care. Knowledge of their rights gives them the confidence to challenge unfair laws.

— from Sister