In an effort to empower women the Department of Social Development (DSD) in Khayelitsha hosted an awareness drive on Friday 29 August to inform local organisations about a range of its services. The event was held at the Site B community Hall under the theme ‘Let’s empower them’.
Social worker Thandeka Molose said that she mostly worked with people affected by domestic violence.
“Not everyone who is not working wants to be hired for a job. Some of them want to be self-employed. Today we invited some of the organisations who can empower them with skills so that they can be able to start their businesses,” explained Molose.
Some organisations do beadwork and sewing.
Molose stated that some women are stuck in toxic relationships because they depend on the perpetrators. “Many women are stuck in an abusive relationship because they don’t know where to go. We want them to be independent and to be able to do things on their own. These organisations that are here can help them to regroup their lives,” she said.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Emthonjeni Counselling and Training, Nomfundo Eland-Mwanda reiterated Molose’s sentiments and implored women to leave the toxic relationships.
Emthonjeni is a non-governmental organisation that advocates for women and girls to live freely without fear of abuse or infringement of their human rights.
Eland-Mwanda said they provide counselling and training to the victims of gender-based violence (GBV).
“We are dealing with people who are saying they are ready to leave the relationship, but I don’t know how because I’m financially dependent on the perpetrator. Most of the victims are women,” she said. She added that theywork with primary and high schools in
Khayelitsha where they empower learners about the dangers of GBV.
Ward 89 councillor Khayalethu Gxasheka described the event as a great initiative citing that they need more of it to empower the community.
“The 90% of Ward 89 is made up of informal settlements and the crime rate is high. We have other challenges such as teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, GBV etc. We need such events to happen on a daily basis,” said Gxasheka.
