VEREENIGING. – The celebration was held under the theme: Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation. The event was organized by the Sedibeng Women’s Network Champion, Warrant Officer Tshegofatso Maliehe.
Speaking at the event, gender-based violence (GBV) survivor, Josephine Lekhofa encouraged women not to let their experiences determine the life they lead. She urged them not to wallow in their pain but to instead use the pain to help others lead a positive life.
Motivational Speaker, Sergeant Maria Letsele urged women to love each other and to support each other through difficulties they face in life.
“A large percentage of women, even those in the SAPS are victims of Gender-based Violence. Most women are afraid to tell their stories because they are afraid that they will be mocked by other women.”
As a GBV survivor herself, Letsele urged women to do away with the culture of bringing each other down. Letsele believes that women should fix each other’s crowns in order to help fight GBV and other social ills.
Vanderbijlpark Station Commander, Brigadier Nikiwe Hoeane urged women, especially SAPS members to help the community with a positive attitude.
“When you open your mouth, it is very critical to think if what you’re about to say is going to build or going to break. Learn to stop speaking without a filter. Don’t be the reason why a person’s spirit gets broken.”
Hoeane urged all women to be positive agents of change and to live a purposeful life. The event was attended by various organizations, survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) as well as religious leaders from the region.
