MEYERTON – Gender Links, through its Sunrise Campaign, conducted a Human Rights Awareness Campaign at Meyerton Town Hall on May 13. The event was organised alongside Midvaal Local Municipality’s Social Development Department, Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Agape, NICRO, Siyabangena Patrollers and SAPS.

The event focused on empowering women from nearby communities and GBV survivors.
Naledi Masipa from Gender Links said they use specific tools that enable survivors to become independent business owners. Masipa said the campaign empowers GBV survivors through mentorship, counselling, and imparting computer and entrepreneurial skills.

Talking about the campaign, Masipa highlighted the importance of women knowing their rights.
“We saw the need as participants of this project. Survivors have to know their rights because this will enable them to navigate their daily lives.”

Constable Nompumelelo Zazini urged women to forge forward and not let their background determine their futures. Zazini advocated for independence, urging the survivors to seize opportunities. She used herself as an example of how one’s situation can quickly turn around through hard work and determination.

“I did not start as a police officer. Many of you know me because I have been serving this community for years. I started out as a community reservist, and for years I was volunteering my services.”

She urged the women to take a page out of her book and work hard towards their dreams and aspirations.

Various speakers advocated for a world where women’s rights are respected and upheld.
One of the beneficiaries of the Sunrise Campaign, Mantoa Mokoena, said that her self-worth was regained after she joined the project. Mokoena is a GBV survivor who now runs a thriving business, using beads and other materials to make bags and jewelry.

The event presented an opportunity for survivors turned entrepreneurs to display and market their products. The session concluded with a reflection and lessons learned commission.