EIKENHOF – The Sedibeng District Women’s Network convened at Lapeng Hotel, Conference and Events Centre on March 27. This powerful move marked a dual commemoration of International Women’s Day and Human Rights Day.

The event, held under the theme ‘Masquerade: Unmasking Empowerment,’ aimed to highlight the importance of human rights and the key role of women in the push for recognition of these rights in society, leading to actionable empowerment.

The event was attended by 170 guests, dressed in black and red to celebrate progress and confront systemic silence.

During her welcoming address, Sedibeng District Commissioner, Major General Nkhensani Mukwevho, emphasised the strength of women within the SAPS.

“Human Rights Day calls on us to remember the sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy today. We are committed to building a community where every woman feels safe, valued, and empowered, and where human rights are upheld without compromise,” she said.

Delivering her keynote address, Major General Annah Sithole made a clarion call for spiritual and professional sisterhood. Sithole challenged senior managers to groom junior members.
“Let us speak life into each other’s dry bones. Empowerment is not only for senior managers; wherever you are, go and lift another woman.”

The Chairperson of the Sedibeng Women’s Network, Provisioning Admin Clerk (PAC) Patricia Tatapa, said the masquerade theme was a metaphor for stripping away the “masks” of silence and fear. She urged women to stand up for their rights and speak out without fear of being silenced.

A significant portion of the day was dedicated to the LGBTQI+ community. Detective Constable Phuti Senwamadi and Sergeant ManniniThabehali provided specialised empowerment sessions focusing on the discrimination faced by the community, reinforcing the message that human rights are only universal if they are inclusive.

To arm attendees with practical knowledge, Legal Wise’s Ntombi Ntloko and Gideon Gwetyana discussed the complexities of marriage and divorce. The session focused on understanding rights within civil, customary, and religious marriages. In addition, the audience was advised on ensuring the dignity of women and children during the divorce process and navigating legal obligations to prevent families from being stripped of their dignity.

In a moving demonstration of human rights in action, the Network highlighted the plight of Nthabiseng Regina Mohobo (53) and her family. Mohobo, who is blind, has lived as an undocumented citizen with her eight children and grandchildren. The network announced an active partnership with the Department of Home Affairs to fast-track their documentation.

The success of the event was made possible through the generous sponsorship and support of Vaal Toyota, Fundi, AVBOB, Old Mutual, Lapeng Hotel and Conference Centre, and Ola’s Market Pick n Pay.

Attendees departed as Human Rights ambassadors tasked with delivering the message of unmasked empowerment to their respective districts.