Wida annual women’s conference empowers women navigating new challenges

The Women in Diaspora Association (Wida) hosted its annual women’s conference, focusing on empowering women navigating challenging spaces, in Norkem Park.

This year’s conference focused on the challenges women face when moving away from their hometowns, often losing family support and facing barriers to confidence and independence.

“Many women lose access to the support systems they need to care for their mental and reproductive health, as well as the well-being of children in their care, especially those with special needs,” said Vuyani Hlazo from the Wida.

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The association is a human rights advocacy and welfare organisation that supports migrant women and refugees, fights against GBV and empowers women and girls.

Hlazo said the organisation did not discriminate against host nationalities in its work.

Key issues discussed at the conference included teenage pregnancy, challenges for young mothers raising children with special needs, sexual reproductive health and rights, maternal health awareness, including often-overlooked costs and strategies for women to become self-sufficient and empowered.

Nozipho Ngwenya from HashtagInSolidarity highlighted the importance of community support for mothers of autistic children, stressing that local government and councils should do better to accommodate these families when planning educational and recreational activities for children.

HashtagInSolidarity will host a fun and awareness day on November 1 to celebrate National Children’s Day.
For more information about Wida or the event, call Jacqui Hlazo on 072 644 2311.