Young women of West Rand empowered
This seminar was aimed at feeding young people necessary information to economic freedom.
The Department of Energy held a Young Women’s Symposium at Mogale City Local Municipality’s Centenary Hall (Town Hall) in Krugersdorp’s CBD on Saturday, 26 August.
Women of all ages, most of whom try to uplift communities, met at 8.30am for discussions, ideas and business insight. Towards the end of the programme, young women, school-girls in particular, were handed sanitary pads which they could distribute within their communities. Palesa Mboweni, a gender-based violence activist, tackled the challenge of emotional abuse in the business sector that women face, advising women not to take it lightly and to be fully aware of it.
“The loved one you share your vision with can steal your business idea, so don’t stay in an abusive or manipulative relationship, even if it is friendship – ask yourself if there is something positive you learn or develop in that friendship, and leave if it does you no good,” said Palesa.
Another keynote speaker who motivated the young women was Congress of South African Students (Cosas) deputy president, Olothando Sonjalo, whose recent election had her fellow congregants saying she should not have been elected because the deputy presidency is a top position, with too many responsibilities for a woman.
“I was a learner at Madiba Secondary School in Kagiso. I wanted the school to have a Cosas branch so I went to ask the principal and our school was granted Cosas membership. That is when I learnt that when you want something you take charge and get it! No-one was born with a title, people fight for them,” exclaimed Oluthando.
She added that women upliftment programmes should take place all year long, not just in August, because women face hardships throughout the year.
Another woman who made a lasting impression was Zoe Kosi of Beacon of Hope, an organisation based in Rivonia, who came with Loyiso Maqabe to donate sanitary towels to young women. Her international organisation addresses the issues of needy and vulnerable communities. She said their communities are the main stakeholders because they cannot help communities without their involvement.
“Gone are the days of relying on men because men are here today but gone tomorrow, believe and rely on God, who knew you before you were born,” said Zoe.
The significance of mentorship was also raised, and Palesa said every young woman should be able to contact a person that inspires her. She also said it does not have to be a professional mentor, even spiritual leaders like pastors can be mentors.
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