Brakpan police celebrated women, their journeys and the power of their voices during its third annual Women’s Day event, held at the Medical and Community Chaplaincy premises in Leachville Ext 3 on August 7.

Held under the theme “Her Story” and featuring blush and Barbie pink as the colours of the day, the event brought together SAPS members, PSA members and community members for a day focused on celebrating women’s resilience, achievements and experiences, while highlighting the importance of creating spaces where their voices can be heard.

Organised by the Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications office, the celebration combined reflection and empowerment with health screenings, inspirational messages, music, dancing and wellness treatments.

“The elegantly themed event was not only to celebrate women but to listen, truly listen, to her story. Her story has a history of breaking barriers, a story of resilience, and an innovative story that turns ideas into thriving and uplifting initiatives,” said Constable Audrey Buthelezi, Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer.

“Her story is not just hers alone. It is the thread that weaves through generations, shaping the fabric of our society.”

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The event was opened with a prayer and scripture reading from Matthew 5:14-16 by Pastor Meisie Senong, who also welcomed everyone.

Senong briefly explained the medical and community chaplaincy services, emphasising to the women the importance of emotional, spiritual, mental and physical self-care.

Every woman in attendance underwent health screenings to detect any underlying issues so that they could be attended to. After the briefing and health screening, breakfast was self-served.

“The event was aimed at moving the history that had, for so long, been told from one perspective,” said Buthelezi.

“By telling her story, we inspire the next generation by showing young girls that their dreams are valid and achievable. We challenge stereotypes by proving that leadership, courage and brilliance have no gender. We further build equality because a society that hears all voices is stronger, fairer and more united.”

Buthelezi encouraged the women to share their pain, laughter, negative and positive experiences, and challenges, whether personal or professional, as well as their life narratives, not to boast or anything, but to help another woman who might be in need of inspiration, encouragement, motivation or a pillar of support.

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Buthelezi emphasised that by telling your story, you are not just looking back, but you are also writing the next chapter.

She further stated that women’s voices should be given space in boardrooms, classrooms and communities, and that women’s growth should be invested in through mentorship and sponsorship.

Buthelezi urged the women to take action by challenging bias and advocating for equality. The women danced and sang along.

Founder and chairperson of the non-profit organisation Bold and Brave Foundation, a member of the SAPS Brakpan Youth Crime Prevention Desk and a youth leader, Tumelo Buthelezi, commemorated the women with a poem that narrated the migration from girlhood to womanhood.

After a full self-served lunch, the women were surprised with spa treatments, including back and neck massages and foot massages.

“Every woman’s story is a spark. Alone, it lights a candle, but together, they create a blaze that can illuminate the world,” said Buthelezi.

“On this 70-year Women’s Day anniversary and three-year Brakpan SAPS anniversary, let us not just say Happy Women’s Month. Let us commit to listening, honouring and amplifying her story.

“When her story is told, our shared stories become richer, stronger and unstoppable.”

Brakpan SAPS extends gratitude to Senong (Medical and Community Chaplaincy chairperson), the kitchen staff, spa staff, health screening staff, security officers who ensured their vehicles were safe for the duration of the event, and everyone else who assisted in making the day a success.

Special thanks were also given to Empire Media Photography, Brian Metalz and Tatenda Gureya.