Ida Mntwana

Ida Mntwana (full name Ida Fiyo Mntwana; 5 August 1903 – March 1960) was a South African anti-apartheid activist, dressmaker and women’s rights leader who served as the first president of the ANC Women’s League and the first national president of the Federation of South African Women. Quotes “We know that as women we have many problems which hold us back from taking part fully in the struggle, and it is precisely for that purpose that we have come to break down these problems. Let us come out as a united force, let us take our place in the struggle for freedom … if we all put our shoulders to the wheel, the time will come when we will be proud of the acts of women. Let us unite, let us go forward with courage and determination.” Our Constitution – We the People “Gone are the days when the place of women was in the kitchen and looking after the children. Today, they are marching side by side with men on the road to freedom.” The Long March to Freedom (opening speech at the FEDSAW inaugural conference, 17 April 1954) External links Category:Women from South Africa Category:Anti-apartheid activists Category:African National Congress politicians Category:1903 births Category:1960 deaths