The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence culminated in a Self-Love and Care Seminar for Women hosted by the South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) on International Human Rights Day, December 10.
Women from across Gqeberha and Kariega were invited to the inspiring seminar in the tranquil setting of Bush Camp and Stone Castle in Pari Park, Gqeberha.
Basheerah Isaacs, the psychotherapist who facilitated the seminar, spoke on the significance of self-love and highlighted how women could love themselves in a variety of ways, to the point where self-love can inspire them to leave abusive relationships and situations.
Women empowerment is one of SANZAF’s key focus pillars, and the organisation regularly hosts workshops that aim to empower women through education and information.
Gishma Johnson, SANZAF Gqeberha and Uitenhage vice-chairperson, said women play a pivotal role in society and if they are not given the necessary tools and advice to become empowered, they could fall victim to abuse and oppression.
“Our women empowerment principles are aligned to SANZAF’s value of “commitment to empowering”,” explained Johnson.
In addition to educational programmes and seminars, Johnson said that SANZAF ensures women receive support in respect of skills development and training, as well as entrepreneurial seed funding, and that the bursary funding is distributed fairly so that both male and female students can benefit.
SANZAF is a national faith-based social welfare and education organisation which ensures the equitable distribution of obligatory charity under the third pillar of Islam.
