Gender-based violence forum celebrates women trying to make a difference in their community
With it being Women's Month the forum wanted to show these women they are being recognised and appreciated.
The Region C Gender-Based Violence Forum celebrated women making a difference in their community and helping victims of gender-based violence.
“We are here to take advantage of Women’s Month in South Africa. We are appreciative of the ones that we know are doing something for our community,” said Dr Nisi Thusi, spokesperson for the forum.
On August 24, the forum held a Women’s Month Celebration at Westgate Shopping Centre to give thanks to the women making a difference.
Thusi stated the forum was created to deal with issues of gender equality including violence and femicide. She stated this is the second event they have had in the three years since they were started. She explained they went into their community and selected the women that are doing better things for the community.
“The purpose of the event is to encourage them because they are doing it out of the kindness of their hearts. There are no funds for it, they’re just doing it to ensure the communities can thrive,” said Thusi.
She mentioned there were two women present who opened daycare centres, two in farming and two others opened their homes for the children who are victims of gender-based violence and many more making a difference in the community in various ways. She noted they handed out trophies to 20 of these women.
Their hope, continued Thusi, is for these women to be recognised, as they can also get tired of continuously trying to make a difference and no one appreciates their efforts.
One of the women honoured by the event was Melita Mabidicaca who opened a pre-school in an informal settlement to help the children from ‘problematic homes’ or whose parents can’t afford school fees. She stated in many instances the parents are both unemployed and dependent on social grants and in other cases, the children are orphans or living with relatives.
“I feel that I am loved and I will prosper in life, It’s a process, but I’m getting there step by step. The other women are so beautiful today, you can see that everyone came out of their box today. You know we have so many things to do daily, we don’t even have time for make-up, but today I feel like wow,” said Mabidicaca.
Thabo Khumalo represented Westgate Shopping Centre at the event and stated they feel honoured to be sponsoring the event as it ties in well with their vision and mission. They are glad they got the opportunity to partner with the forum and give back to the community.
She concluded in attendance were 20 different stakeholders including JMPD and the City of Johannesburg to ensure the event was a success.
