Women discuss the matter of safety this Women’s Month

Personal safety and the safety of your loved ones is top of mind for many people.

With crime rife in our communities, it is of paramount importance to be vigilant and protect oneself.

In celebration of Women’s Day, the GCN chatted to three prominent women in our community about safety in general, safety in their jobs and what women should do to keep themselves safe.

• Retha du Toit: Principal of Afrikaanse Hoërskool Germiston

It is coming down more and more to us as women to take care of safety issues. We must have a plan, anticipate and think for other people. I have been in education for 37 years and I see everything on my table. As teachers we need to set a good example as we are the children’s parents away from home, and in education women are in the majority as teachers. I am also not so sure that we are safe in our own homes these days and as women, we must take precautions. Women have a huge role to play with regard to safety as the onslaught of crime becomes more intense. We need to look over our shoulders at all times. This vigilance can also help protect not only us, but others as well. There are still a lot of people who see women as soft targets. We should take responsibility for our safety and focus on it.

• Barbara Jensen: Manager of the Germiston branch of the South African Red Cross Society

I have been with the Red Cross for 25 years and I do not feel unsafe or threatened in my work environment and in the communities. This is due to the fact that I am known and respected in the communities and people know what the Red Cross is and what we are trying to achieve. What I am affected by is opportunistic crime. For example, a robbery which occurred in the workplace where fund-raising funds were stolen, two cellphone thefts, smash-and-grabs, rims being stolen from our vehicle’s tyres and now the theft of one of our vehicles. We have to continue to work against all odds as the crime situation in the country increases. As a woman, I do not feel that I am a target. I think opportunistic crime can happen to anyone.

• Wendy Morgan: Ward 36 councillor

I am very conscious of safety and take precautions. I always plan where I am going and then I will inform a family member where I am headed and which route I will be following. I try not to visit unsafe areas alone and will either take a fellow councillor or my husband Derek along with me. When I attend meetings at night, I will contact Derek as I am leaving so he will meet me at the gate upon my return home. Other ways I try ensure my safety is by always keeping the location on my phone active, and I have downloaded Namola – it acts as a panic button and can send loved ones your location. When driving, women should be vigilant and check to make sure there is nothing blocking the road, and you must always lock your car doors and make sure your valuables are locked in the boot of your car. We must all be conscious of our safety, especially women, as we are seen as soft targets. Always be alert and aware.

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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za

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