{"id":44450,"date":"2024-08-29T06:05:14","date_gmt":"2024-08-29T04:05:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/women-empowered-through-skills-development-20240828\/"},"modified":"2024-08-29T06:05:14","modified_gmt":"2024-08-29T04:05:14","slug":"women-empowered-through-skills-development-20240828","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/women-empowered-through-skills-development-20240828\/","title":{"rendered":"Women empowered through skills development"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>THE Special Programmes Unit (SPU) in the Office of the Mayor at Kouga Municipality recently hosted an interactive Skills Development Programme in Oyster Bay, aimed at empowering local women.<\/p>\n<p>With the support of local sewing experts, Marie Oosthuizen and Lesa Seenay, the initiative provided hand sewing training to 15 women from the Oyster Bay informal settlement and surrounding farms, a craft that not only fosters creativity but also unlocks new economic opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>Participants were provided with sewing materials, ensuring they had all the tools needed to practice and refine their newly acquired skills.<\/p>\n<p>One of the trainers is also working on developing a small, practical bag, specifically designed to carry sanitary products, adding another valuable aspect to the programme. The bag will help young girls preserve their dignity during school hours, offering a discreet way to carry sanitary products instead of having to hold them in their hands.<\/p>\n<p>\n <b>Future plans<\/b>\n<\/p>\n<p>A follow-up programme is set for September this year, to evaluate participants\u2019 progress and provide additional support. <\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the programme will be expanded to reach various communities throughout the Kouga region.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis programme marks a significant step toward community empowerment, combining skill development with meaningful social impact,\u201d said Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman. \u201cBy championing initiatives like these, Kouga Municipality is creating a supportive environment for women, addressing key community needs, and cultivating local talent and creativity.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>THE Special Programmes Unit (SPU) in the Office of the Mayor at Kouga Municipality recently hosted an 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