Following the success of Action Society’s first workshop on gender-based violence (GBV) in Heideveld, Cape Town, on Women’s Day, we held another workshop in Tafelsig, Mitchell’s Plain, on Tuesday, 6 September.
More than 50 senior citizens took part in the programme, presented by Personal Safety. The workshop focussed on GBV and safety matters. Action Society taught them how to defend themselves physically when attacked.
Kilimanjaro Seniors Club chairperson Beatrice Leng said it’s essential for women, especially the elderly, to be educated about GBV, their rights, and how to protect themselves. Leng said she is concerned about the elderly physically, emotionally, and financially abused by their family members or people within their community.
“Many of our seniors do not know what GBV is and what they can do if they find themselves in a situation where someone abuses them. Unfortunately, many of our seniors are at risk, so it is important for them to be educated about these matters,” she said.
Leng added they are thankful that Action Society can train women to defend themselves.
“Seniors cannot defend themselves because we do not have the skills; that is why we are easy targets. So we are happy that our members are part of the programme,” she said.
“We must provide our women with information and tools to defend themselves,” said Action Society Action Centre co-ordinator Kaylynn Palm. “We live in a violent country, and therefore it is important to equip women, particularly those vulnerable in our society, with valuable information and tools to protect themselves.
“Too often, we see many senior citizens being abused terribly by their children through our work at the Action Centre. And when they report a case, they are not sure what type of case they should open or what is required, which is why these workshops are very important,” she said.
