Women from Khayelitsha and the surrounding areas held an Imbizo on Saturday 16 August at Thembela Community Hall in Nkanini to discuss issues that affect their lives. The event was part of celebrating Women’s Month.
It was organised by members of Harare Police Station in collaboration with other local organisations.
Elaborating on the event, Harare Police Station spokesperson W/O Nosiphiwo Mntengwana described the gathering as a platform for women to raise their concerns.
Mntengwana said they chose Nkanini because it is one of the crime hotspots in the precinct.
“Nkanini is known for wrong things. There is a high crime rate, gender-based violence, substance abuse, unemployment etc in the area. We wanted to talk as woman to woman without being led by men,” said Mtengwana. She stated that part of their discussions was parenting, where women were encouraged to look after their children.
Emthonjeni Counselling and Training executive director Nomfundo Mwanda urged women to move out of toxic relationships, citing that they negatively affect families.
Emthonjeni is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that advocates for a world and environment where women and girls live freely without fear of abuse, or infringement of their human rights.
“Abuse doesn’t only affect the women, it also affects the children. The children who grew up in an abusive environment end up thinking it is the right thing to do. A girl child ends up attracting abusive partners while a boy child ends up abusing his partners,” she said.
Mwanda said as the organisation they also assist women who want to start their business with funds and young people who are looking for jobs.
She stated that they are working with various government departments and NGOs to push their narrative.
“We have our own clinic at Food Hyper in Town Two where we test for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STI), high blood, do counselling etc. It is for both genders,” said Mwanda, adding that all they need is for women to be independent.
