SAHRC hosts Women’s Day Commemoration

THE South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in partnership with Choice Trust, held a Women’s Day commemoration on Wednesday at Avispark Lodge.

SAHRC’s Advocacy and Research Officer, Mankese Thema, was the MC for the day. She jokingly said although it was a celebratory event for women, men were also invited. ‘We at the human rights commission do not discriminate, we are inclusive’ she said.

The event was used as a platform to network with women from other organizations. They shared what their institutions have done in making sure they empower women and ensuring that women move forward. Commission for Gender Equality provincial education officer, Nkhensani Hlekane, said a lot can be achieved through empowering women. ‘Development lies within empowering women,’ she said.

Hlekane said women must be celebrated as they are special. Choice Trust training coordinator, Rebecca Maluleke, said their organization believes in women empowerment. ‘We have trained women on food security and we have created jobs through our rural development programs. She also added that women are the core of their families. ‘Women take the responsibility to monitor their well being and that of their family,’ she said.

Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) community health advocacy coordinator in Mopani, Jennifer Milambo, said she is passionate about combating gender based violence. Milambo added that women in abusive relationships should speak out and get out of the box.

The event was attended by Ndavezitha Betty Mabunda (Xihoko) and representatives from Legal Aid South Africa, the public protector office, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Pan South African Language Board, The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture in the language division, Progressive Women’s Movement South Africa, Tsogang Water and Sanitation, Choice, TAC, Greater Tzaneen Municipality Greater Letaba Municipality and Commission for Gender Equality.