Those are the words on the T-Shirt worn by Ward 29 councillor Haseena Ismail, who held a Women’s Day event for about 200 people at the Actonville Community Centre on August 9.
Ismail held the event for women only so they could relax while being entertained, educated and appreciated.
“We can never dispute the role women play in our society. They are pillars, not only in our individual households, but in the community,” Ismail said.
The event also featured several speeches, make-up and massage sessions, body mass index checks, blood pressure and pap-smear testing as well as cancer screening.
Rose Maja from iThemba Rape and Trauma Support Centre shared her life story and told women to stand up against abuse.
“[Being] raped is nobody’s fault,” Maja said.
“Rape needs to be reported within 72 hours and women need to realise it is nothing to be ashamed of.
“Women and children should not be ashamed if they have been abused. We need to stand up against abuse and speak to social workers who can help.”
EMPD members also attended the event to address the community about domestic violence and the abuse of women.
They wanted the community to know that police will not tolerate abuse.
Adele Pillay from Kids Haven spoke to women about self-worth and self-care..
“Women need to know their worth. We need to set limits to avoid suffering from abuse,” she said.
Ismail also thanked mothers for their hard work.
“We appreciate the mothers who wake up early to prepare the children for the day,” Ismail said.
“We appreciate the mothers who catch the early bus to work.
“We appreciate the mothers who keep the household intact during the day.”
She also applauded women who work to provide for the household and women who play both the mother and father role in the household.
“We appreciate the women who run day care centres in communities and soup kitchens to feed the hungry.”
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