Women’s health dialogue a success
Before the dialogue commenced, the women watched an informative video portraying different forms of abuse and several circumstances that many women find themselves in.
Women from all walks of life attended the women’s dialogue hosted by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM).
The dialogue, titled ‘The Impact of HIV in Women’s Lives: Weaving the Stories of a Woman’s Life’, formed part of the EMM’s Women’s Month celebrations.
The event, held at the DH Williams Hall in Katlehong and the Rabasotho Hall in Tembisa, saw women reflecting on their lives and learning how to confront and deal with the trying circumstances they might find themselves in.
Before the dialogue commenced, the women watched an informative video portraying different forms of abuse and several circumstances that many women find themselves in.
After the video, the women broke into commissions that were coordinated by representatives from POWA and officials from the EMM’s Health and Social Development Department.
Topics discussed in the breakaway sessions included reproductive health, maternal questions, HIV and Aids issues, health promotion, human rights, gender-based violence and socio-economic services for women.
Thuli Mkwaye (24) said she was delighted to attend as she received food for thought that she, as a young woman, can impart to her family and friends.
“I knew of only two forms of abuse but today I’ve learnt that women are subjected to many forms of abuse that often go unreported and untreated. This is because we don’t know our rights as women or know that there are organisations like POWA who are there to help,” she said.
What may have started as a dialogue for learning and sharing turned into a therapeutic gathering as women of different ages and backgrounds empowered one another to stand firm and take charge of their lives.
