Women’s network gives women in Edenvale and surrounds a platform to speak out, heal

A women’s network in Edenvale continues to give abused women a platform where they can share their experiences and get the necessary help to change their lives.

Also read: Women’s network to be established

The network was launched in partnership with the Edenvale SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit in 2017.

Also read: Abuse to be tackled head-on

The aim was to allow easier communication among women.

The slogan for the initiative is ‘She is Free, She is Beautiful’.

Rhoda Hill, one of the founders, said they have received positive feedback since the launch of this initiative.

“We work with women and children to help the fight against gender-based violence.

“We encourage those in abusive relationships to speak out and get the help they need,” said Rhoda.

She said when the network was launched the goal was to empower women and bring change to the community of Edenvale.

She added the feedback has been so positive since the launch and the women’s network has been receiving calls from women in areas outside of Edenvale including Johannesburg areas.

“We are happy that more people are coming to us for help.

“When you speak out about your abuse, you not only empower yourself but you empower others in a similar situation.

“That way we pay it forward,” she said.

Rhoda, who also came out of an abusive relationship said she is able to speak out now because she has reached a space where she has healed.

“After the launch was published in the NEWS last year, we received a lot of messages from women who needed help.

“Some of them needed someone who can listen to them.

“We don’t make any choices for them as that is up to them.

“All we do is equip them to make the right choices for themselves,” she said.

Rhoda said the work they do comes with challenges and one of those challenges is a place where the women can meet.

“Our main challenge at the moment is that we don’t have a space that we can use for our meetings.

“For most of the meetings, I use my own resources and we meet at restaurants and that is not good.

“We would like to have a space where we can meet every now and then to conduct workshops.

“That would also give these women a chance to meet with counsellors and other skilled people who are willing to impart their skills and empower these women so they can stand on their own,” she said.

She said they could empower even more women if they can get someone to donate or sponsor a place for their meetings.

She added that in an effort to raise funds for the network, they do beading and sewing.

“We do beading and sewing but it’s hard as I run out of supplies sometimes.

“More women want to do beading but I don’t always have the beads because I buy them with money from my own pocket.

“A sponsorship or donation would assist in that regard,” said Rhoda.

People who want to donate or for more information about the network can call Rhoda on 073 992 3450, WhatsApp 063 602 7356 or email rhodamhill@gmail.com

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