Women in Mamelodi offer each other a helping hand

Women were told that it’s okay to cry and should not be afraid to let it out.

This was during the second Women’s Dialogue organised by the Thandanani drop-in centre in Mamelodi, where women were given a platform to talk about social issues on Friday.

The centre invited the Mamelodi community to listen to speakers from the Mountain Valley organisation, Rethabile Service Centre.

Kate Kekana of the centre said the dialogue helped women to heal and acknowledge that they are going through a lot.

She said a lot needs to be done and they are planning to host the dialogue every month to mainly focus on issues affecting women.

“Many young women are going through a lot and they are ignorant about where to get professional help from,” said Kekana.

The theme for the dialogue was “Restoration and healing” which forms part of the celebration of Women’s Month and the dress code was Kofifi vintage.

Kekana said the first session they held with women, was to unpack issues that they go through and come up with solutions.

“As a driven youth, we still need the elderly to share their experience and knowledge with us.

“Women are in so much competition and working in silence. And they normally disregard unity,” said Kekana.

She said when women gather and agree to do something united, they can achieve a lot.

“Women also experience common issues and sometimes because the world expects them to be strong, they never let it out… they don’t cry out for help.”

She said men were invited to the event as well to express their feelings and what they were going through in their lives.

“People were able to heal and acknowledge that they are going through a lot, including men at the dialogue,” she added.

Kekana said the dialogue is about establishing a mechanism to prevent mental illness.

“Women are vulnerable because of their upbringing… they are expected to be pillars of society, caregivers, firm, nurture children and households while also doing chores.

“So when they reach their breaking point, no one can hear them cry.”

Kekana said they had a conversation about emotions, abusive relationships, pre-arranged marriages and the pain of being unable to leave a toxic relationship.

A social worker told guests at the dialogue that social services were available to them.

“People need to learn to consult professionals for assistance, especially the black people since this service is not common among them,” said the social worker.

Kekana said this was not the end. “We are going to rectify these issues as women by having this dialogue every month.”

The event closed to Sophiatown music playing.

A date for the next dialogue will be announced soon.

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