Ratanda event amplifies Women’s voices and calls for unity
Leaders and community members joined forces at the Overturning Woman Missionary’s Women’s Day event to inspire change, encourage resilience and call for safe spaces for all.
The Ratanda New Hall came alive when the Overturning Woman Missionary group, founded by apostle Maria Mabena, hosted a Women’s Day celebration, dedicated to amplifying women’s voices and championing the cause of the voiceless, on August 8.
The event welcomed several dignitaries, including Mapule Motsepe (Lesedi Local Municipality), the MMC for Corporate and Legal Affairs, Lerato Moloi from Section 80: Infrastructure and municipal Speaker Phindi Mpemvu.
Other notable attendees were Lerato Mokoena (Mining Sector Women Economic Assembly), Tsepiso Moeti (director of Human Settlements representative), Michael Natalie (Nedbank), Tholoana Mantambo (Social Development representative focusing on gender gap and civil society issues), and Florence Maseko (representative for women entrepreneurs in entrepreneurship platforms and development).
Lebohang Rakos started the event with praise and worship music before the speakers took the stage.
Thendiwe Valashiya encouraged the attendees to maintain their faith and support family and friends.
“To succeed, you must believe in what you are doing and act on those beliefs. When you focus on what matters to you, you can achieve more than you may think possible,” Valashiya stated.
Mabena shared insightful reflections, “It’s crucial to understand your friends and family. Once you grasp the situations around you, you can respond appropriately. Empowered women tend to stand in solidarity. No one should take away your determination and will to help. Remain resilient and avoid straying from your path.”
She emphasised the importance of shifting mindsets towards actions that hold personal significance.
“Start changing the thought processes within the community, one idea at a time. We need to unite in our efforts. Collaboration strengthens us and fosters a more robust community. Additionally, we must take decisive actions to promote gender equality and ensure a safe environment for all,” Mabena concluded.
The overall message was a call to eliminate the scourge of GBV from society. It underscored the necessity of gender equality and the creation of safe spaces for everyone in the community, aiming for a harmonious and collaborative environment where all can thrive together.
