The "Imagine a Woman" poem found its way to South Africa about five years ago and continues to inspire the women's movement there, including The Goddess Academy and One in Nine.

On International Women's Day, 2006, stanzas of the "Imagine a Woman" poem were read in the South African Chamber of the National Assembly at a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.

After the Ministers of Health, Arts and Culture, and Home Affairs, and the leaders of various women's organizations spoke, the day ended with these words, "We have heard a diverse range of views on the topic at hand today. However, the common collective thread is that women are the pillars of society. In conclusion, I would like to speak a few words from a poem by Patricia Reilly entitled "Imagine a Woman:"

? Imagine a woman who believes it is right and good she is a woman. A woman who honours her experience and tells her stories. Who refuses to carry the sins of others within her body and life.
? Imagine a woman who believes she is good. A woman who trusts and respects herself. Who listens to her needs and desires, and meets them with tenderness and grace.
? Imagine a woman who has acknowledged the past’s influence on the present. A woman who has walked through her past. Who has healed into the present.
? Imagine a woman who values the women in her life. A woman who sits in circles of women. Who is reminded of the truth about herself when she forgets.
? Imagine yourself as this woman.

The Deputy Minister went on to remind those present, "During the opening of South Africa’s first democratic Parliament on 24 May 1994, former President Mandela committed Parliament to gender equality and women’s emancipation. He said, "... freedom cannot be achieved unless the women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression."

Imagine a community of women who have relinquished their desire for intellectual safety and approval. Women who make a powerful statement with every action they take. Who assert to themselves the right to reorder the world. Inspired by our South African sisters, may we be such women!