Action Society celebrated National Women’s Day by empowering women from the Heideveld community in Cape Town against Gender-based Violence (GBV).
Some 50 women attended the workshop presented along with Personal Safety. They used the chance to speak about their concerns of safety that include gang violence and drugs, as well as GBV matters.
The first part of the workshop focussed on safety and emergencies. Then the women were taught how to defend themselves physically when attacked. They were also informed about GBV, what it entails and how they can assist their fellow community members.
Action Society Community Safety director Ian Cameron said GBV is out of control in the country and therefore it is important to empower women in communities.
“During the workshop they were taught about personal safety, how to set boundaries, and how to defend themselves. We live in a violent country and therefore it’s important that our women are provided with information and tools to defend themselves.”
Action Society also attended a Women’s Day event in Tafelsig in Mitchell’s Plain with senior citizens organised by Thusanang Community Development.
“It was an amazing event; it was lovely to see the smiles on the women’s faces today. Some of the women have highlighted issues pertaining to the elderly who are abused in their households, so we will be looking at conducting training for them too,” said Cameron.
