Greater Protea CPF tackles social ills at Women’s Month awareness event
The CPF partnered with government and community organisations in Protea Glen to address social ills, highlight women’s empowerment, and promote access to essential support services.
To mark the conclusion of Women’s Month, the Greater Protea CPF hosted a social-ills awareness event on August 29 at Protea Glen.
Various stakeholders, including SASSA, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health, COPESSA, Lifeline, the Protea Glen Men’s Forum, and the Central Gauteng Mental Health Society, among others, were invited to share information about their services and highlight the roles they play in addressing and reducing social ills within the community.
ALSO READ: CPF and SAPS discuss crime challenges in Eldos
CPF secretary Trudy Jabavu said it was important to use Women’s Month to address ongoing issues such as inequality, discrimination and the abuse faced by women, while also highlighting progress and the need to accelerate efforts to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“We want the public to see that CPF and policing are not just about making arrests. We also focus on unity and addressing the social challenges our communities face.
This is the softer approach to policing. Through this initiative, we tackle issues such as unemployment, financial hardship, lack of housing, and other struggles that often trigger abuse.
“We want people to recognise that there are stakeholders who can help them, and we aim for this initiative to be a source of support for the vulnerable,” said Jabavu.
Joe Gqabi Centre Manager, Linda Mngabi, said the information shared at the event was essential for both the community and the senior citizens at the centre.
ALSO READ: Local CPF reaches out to young men
“I wish more people could attend these initiatives because they are very important. The information shared is valuable, and it would be encouraging to see the community come in large numbers. It is disappointing that many do not attend such informative events.
“While our beneficiaries are here and benefiting, those who should also be present, especially their grandchildren and the youth, are not. Young people need to start attending these events,” he said.
An attendee, Vusimuzi Shabalala, said the event was very helpful because the community faces many literacy challenges, where people often do not understand the free services offered, the work being done, or how those services can help them in their day-to-day lives.
“These initiatives are very valuable as they provide educational opportunities for the public to learn about the services available.
“As someone who is part of an organisation that helps the community, I also had the chance to network with other stakeholders and gain a better understanding of working together, hand in hand,” he said.
