Local MMC supports women empowerment programme launch in Winterveldt
The Women’s rise programme is to develop and empower women to address psycho-socioeconomic challenges in society such as the high rate of poverty, unemployment, lack of skills and/or education, domestic violence, inequality, and the spread of HIV/Aids.
Recently the Winderveldt agri-educational skills academy, a nonprofit organisation based in ward 24 launched a women empowerment programme.
The launch was supported by MMC for health Rina Marx who delivered the keynote speech.
Women’s Rise programme develops and empowers women to address psycho-socioeconomic challenges in society such as the high rate of poverty, unemployment, lack of skills and/or education, domestic violence, inequality and the spread of HIV/Aids.
The founder of the organisation, Solly Mashimbyi said that this women’s programme will be a platform for supporting and empowering women in Winterveldt.
Marx’s address focused on the impact of gender inequality in the health sector.
“For instance, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that women and girls face greater risks of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/Aids, cervical cancer, and elder abuse among other challenges,” she said.
She spoke about the programmes and outreaches of her department that focus on TB, STIs, drug and substance abuse education, and youth health programmes.
“We just celebrated 29 years of our democracy, yet we find ourselves still having to work twice as hard to champion the rights of women in different sectors, including the health sector,” she said.
Those in attendance were reminded that the primary healthcare clinics offer a whole range of primary healthcare services, including maternal health services.
“Our work is leveraged on partnerships, both governmental and non-governmental. As a local government, we cannot possibly do it alone,” said Marx.
“There is much that can be gained by adopting a multi-sectoral integrated approach.
“These mutual partnerships can only benefit the communities that we serve. And it truly is all about the communities.”
Mashimbyi said the organisation is on a mission to uplift women to take up their leadership roles and be able to stand up for themselves.
“We are very passionate about this programme because we believe women’s leadership is authentic and unique in a way that our grandmothers, sisters, mothers, and aunties have all aided in the empowerment of this community,” he said.
Other stakeholders at the launch were ward 24 councillor Chris Masia, Heaven defence force member Pule Goqo, Winterveldt dream changers founder Marriam Mashigo and acting-director Msamu Oniah Tshoale-Nkosi.
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