The City’s Social Development Department turns Women’s Empowerment into Action
BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR
The City’s Social Development Department turns Women’s Empowerment into Action
The City of Johannesburg’s Social Development Department brought together women from the Ennerdale community for an empowering engagement focused on celebrating women and equipping them with practical support, and opportunities available through the City, and its stakeholder partners.
The event, which took place at the Winnie Mabaso Foundation Centre, created an engaging environment for women to take advantage of the services and programmes available to improve their livelihoods.
Proceedings began with a church song and prayer led by Pastor Molefe, setting the tone for a programme centred on resilience and collective empowerment. Attendees actively participated in the session, demonstrating the strong sense of community that characterised the gathering.
The event recognised the significant roles women play within families and communities.
Mr Nare Kubyane, the sub-unit head, acknowledged the participation of stakeholders and senior citizens, noting that the programme was centred on the theme of “empowered women, empower the City.”
Mr Kubyane also highlighted the range of services provided by the City and its partnering stakeholders at no cost to residents, including training and development opportunities designed to equip individuals with practical skills.
A key focus of the engagement was the impact of substance abuse and gender-based violence (GBV) on women, families and communities. Residents were encouraged not to suffer in silence, but to seek assistance and intervention when they or their loved ones are affected.
The City has made support for substance-abuse challenges and GBV available through its services, including a crisis line for each region that is aimed at assisting residents in need of intervention and support.
Women were encouraged to approach City and social workers based at clinics for appropriate services.
The message was clear: women deserve support, dignity and the opportunity to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
The programme also placed a strong emphasis on economic empowerment and skills development. Lebojoy Foundation, an NPO supporting youth development, showcased opportunities for community members to acquire practical skills, including soap making, candle making, nail services and baking.
The training is offered free of charge over a three-month period, with sessions taking place once a week at community centres. The initiative seeks to equip participants with skills that can be used to establish small businesses and create sustainable sources of income.
The City’s Food Resilience Unit (FRU) further demonstrated how residents and emerging entrepreneurs can receive assistance in taking locally produced goods from an idea to the marketplace.
The unit assists entrepreneurs with critical aspects of product development and market readiness, including barcoding, labelling, compliance with rules and regulations, product testing and storage requirements. This support is aimed at helping small businesses strengthen their products and ultimately get them onto retail shelves.
Entrepreneurs requiring support from the FRU can contact MarilynM@joburg.org.za.
Deputy Director: Skills, Mr Solani Rikhotso, emphasised the leadership role women continue to play in society.
“Women are natural leaders and the cries of women are the cries of the nation,” said Rikhotso.
Through the Social Development Department and its stakeholder partnerships, the City continues to bring services and opportunities closer to communities, ensuring that residents are not only informed about available support but are connected directly to programmes that can make a meaningful difference in their lives.
The City’s commitment is to build communities where residents are supported to overcome social challenges, develop their potential and participate meaningfully in the local economy.
The gathering concluded on a spirit of appreciation and togetherness, with the Social Development Department providing lunch to the attendees as well as handing out of food parcels to targeted beneficiaries.
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