Zuma was addressing mourners at the funeral of mama Bertha, as she was affectionately known, at the Huntersfield Stadium in Ekurhuleni.
She died at the age of 76 from complications after an operation in Sunninghill hospital in Johannesburg last week.
"Compatriots, indeed, on this sad occasion, we can only soothe our pain by taking solace in mama Bertha's achievements, and use her life as a book from which to learn. She has been part of a very exemplary generation of men and women who understood the mission of building a better South Africa, based on tried and tested values enshrined in the Freedom Charter and the Constitution of our country," he said.
Gxowa was part of all the major historical campaigns in the country's history such as the Defiance Campaign of Unjust Laws in 1952, the formation of the Federation of South African Women in 1954, the adoption of the Freedom Charter in 1955, the staging of the historic Women's March to the Union Buildings in 1956 and the 1957 Treason Trial.
Zuma said the events were of historical significance in shaping Gxowa's thinking and outlook in life.
"We need to use these milestones in our history, to make our children, especially girl children, to realise that they have a critical role to play in the public life of this country, and to prepare them adequately for that role."
The increasing number of women in politics, business and other fields provide children with a perspective that said South Africa belonged to both men and women in terms of opportunities, the president said.
"In this way we can build the society that mama Bertha fought for."
"As we bid farewell to this national hero, living as we do now in a free, thriving non-racial democracy, let us all salute her for her self-less contribution, dedication and commitment to this country and its people," Zuma said.
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Gxowa-sacrificed-59-years-for-SA-20101127