Agisanang Domestic Abuse Prevention and Training empowers women to break free from economic abuse
Adapt champions women empowerment, helping to address the ailing issue of economic abuse in relationships.
Agisanang Domestic Abuse Prevention and Training (Adapt), in partnership with ENS and the City of Johannesburg, hosted a community event aimed at empowering women to break free from the economic chains that often keep them in abusive relationships.
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Adapt CEO Irene Khumalo said the event, held at East Bank Hall on August 23, was inspired by the growing number of women seeking psychosocial support at their offices. “We’ve seen time and again that women stay in abusive relationships because they rely on their partners for economic survival.
“As we scanned through the cases, we realised that women stay in abusive relationships because they are not economically viable.”
The event focused on practical empowerment, offering women exposure to income-generating activities, job opportunities, and small business ideas tailored to their skills and circumstances. It also served to educate women on their rights related to employment, property ownership, and protection from economic abuse. Khumalo further shared that they also sought to create a safe and supportive environment for women to share experiences, encourage one another, and build collective empowerment.
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A panel of experts led discussions on financial literacy, legal rights, and personal empowerment. Panellists included Thapelo Mokhali from Old Mutual, Tsholofelo Mvemve from ENS, and Adapt’s own Nonhle Dladla and Snowy Moeketsi. Topics ranged from wills and budgeting, to navigating financial control in relationships.
“Economic empowerment is not only monetary; it is denial of certain things that they deserve as women,” Khumalo added. “It’s about restoring dignity. Some women are given just enough to stretch across household needs, while others face destruction of property during conflict. We’re saying, go out and do something for yourself. Sell tomatoes, join our skills development programme, learn crafts. You have the capability.”
The event was praised for its impact and emotional resonance. Rethabile Ngcobo, from Rethabile Senior Citizens, said the session was eye-opening. “It enlightened us, especially about things we hadn’t considered before. It also shed light on the fact that we should act against the abuse of young men. That we should speak up for them and not isolate them because we often stand up for girls. Additionally, it heightened the importance of developing good financial skills.”
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