Teenage girls in Ekurhuleni get wellness advice
High school girls in Ekurhuleni celebrated Women’s Month at the Bertha Gxowa Hospital, where they engaged in a seminar focused on health, empowerment and future opportunities.
The MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, joined high school girls at the Dr Clarence Mini Hall at the Bertha Gxowa Hospital to celebrate Women’s Month under the theme ‘Building Resilient Economies for All’.
High school-aged girls from the CoE attended the programme, which focused on the sub-theme, ‘Empowered to Thrive: Prioritising Health and Wellbeing in our Teenage Years’.
Addressing the learners, the MEC encouraged them to care for their well-being, urging them to take advantage of the health services available through government programmes, including the Adolescent Youth Friendly Services at clinics and the Integrated School Health Programme.
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“These services offer access to contraceptives, pregnancy testing, STI screening and support for mental health, substance abuse, and GBV. Ekurhuleni has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Gauteng.”
The MEC spoke candidly about the impact of teenage pregnancy on education, health and future opportunities, reminding the girls that their bodies are still growing, so they deserve time to learn, grow stronger and pursue their goals.
She also highlighted the Gauteng Department of Health’s bursary opportunities for those interested in clinical studies, such as medicine, psychology and nursing.
The learners were told about two key institutions: The Lebone College of Emergency Care and the Gauteng College of Nursing, which provide specialised training in emergency care and nursing, respectively.
Hospital CEO Lebohang Khumalo said the hospital and the MEC hosted this seminar as part of initiatives for Women’s Month.
“Our goal is to educate teenage girls on key issues affecting them. We are here to talk openly about the things that matter to young girls, which include periods and menstrual health, teen pregnancy, hygiene, GBV, mental health, nutrition and physical activities. This was a safe space for young women aged 13 to 18 to learn, share and support one another.
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“As Maya Angelou once said, ‘Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women’.
“So today, we are standing together, supporting one another and building a future filled with strength, confidence and endless possibilities. The seminar helped young people feel empowered,” said Khumalo.
Nobuhle Khumalo, a student in attendance, said these programmes were essential to the youth because they learn more about the available choices.
She added that some of the topics discussed, such as sex and mental health, felt more relatable coming from her peers. Speaking about such issues with older people still felt like a taboo.
She said, “My experience of the seminar was great and informative. The programme was designed specifically for me because the discussions answered many questions. I took in a lot today that I believe has equipped me with tools that will form me into an exceptional woman.”
