WOMEN'S MONTH NEWS - She's recently turned 40 years young, she's a wife and a mother to a fur baby, and, in 2021, she became the first female Speaker of the Mossel Bay Municipal Council.

Furthermore, Speaker Venolea Fortuin describes herself as a community activist at heart, a representative of a political party, a rugby fanatic, and someone who doesn't shy away from difficult situations.

Women's Day to Fortuin means more than the commemoration of the day and celebrating those who have paved the way. "It is a reminder that our existence matters." 

She says it's a pause to reflect and honour for one day, but to then grab the opportunities of the next 12 months to effect change where it matters.

"I come from humble beginnings, being raised by both parents with the minimum. No material overflow, but an abundance of love and teachings about humility."

Her greatest inspiration was her late mother, Paulina James. "I could not understand when I was just a mere girl, how she could carry so many others and still be a perfect mum. I got that gift from her."

Former mayor Marie Ferreira is another. "She believed in me and she gave me an opportunity at a time when it was unpopular to do so. Ever since, I have grown into a better equipped public representative."

Fortuin says her greatest achievement thus far has been the opportunity to serve as a public representative for three consecutive terms. 

"During my first term in 2012 and 2014, I featured as a young political leader in two publications by Gender Links for Equality and Justice."

Naturally, being in the public domain comes with both the good and the bad, but she says she has managed to keep a balance through her values and faith.

For women, fear of daring to be different and changing the conversations to influence change can come from places of non-recognition, resentment, humiliation, being broken down and more. 

"I want to encourage all of us to rise to our place of overcoming such fears through taking one step at a time, finding yourself in the centre of the rooms where it matters, through humility and your sense of never giving up." 

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