SEBOKENG. – “There is no disability in a disabled person, and let’s see ability in disability”.

Under the theme: ‘Be refreshed and empowered’, the Gauteng Provincial Association for Persons with Disability (GPAPD Sebokeng), a Non-Profit Organisation celebrated Women’s Month (August) in an extra-ordinary fashion at the SHADVAAL Protective Workshop in Houtkoup, Sebokeng, today, Thursday.

With the dress code being blue and white, speaker after speaker emphasised the importance of women respecting themselves, giving respect, being treated right and demanding respect.

Amongst the government sectors that were present at the event, and that provided  motivational speakers, were the Education Department, the South African Police Services (SAPS), the Social Department, the South African Revenue Services (SARS), and the Economic Development Department, who all shared much need information to both mother and daughter.

Speakers shared testimonies, victims were empowered, and mental issues were discussed.

“One can live with disability for far longer than a normal person. One can grow from strength to strength after many had written them off,” said one of the speakers, Jabu Ngeleka, a Social Worker, as she encouraged women and their children to stand up and believe in themselves.

“We need to stand up for ourselves and our children, God does not make a mistake. When he looks on our children do you think that God sees a mistake?” asked Nombuyiselo Mukwena, from the Department of Education, to loud cheers from those in attendance.

Women (mothers) were made aware that they are dealing with difficult situations in their families, from being abused, being used, and being undermined by mostly those that are close to them.

“We find ourselves in difficult situations, we find ourselves wishing to let go, we find ourselves giving up, but most importantly we find ourselves unworthy, and that should stop, the bus should stop there,” one speaker said.

Dorah Mmekwa, a Social Worker from GPAPD Sebokeng said that the event was meant to celebrate women in general.

“We are celebrating women, young and old, we are celebrating life. Women are life, without them, nothing is possible. As Women’s month comes to an end, we wanted to empower women with information, be it financial, educational and otherwise. We are happy that everyone came through because in God’s eyes everyone is special,” she said.