Reiger Park Women’s Desk holds an empowerment session
The Women’s Desk is the brainchild of the Reiger Park CPF for women residing within the station’s policing precinct.
The Reiger Park Women’s Desk, in conjunction with the Women’s Network, Men for Change, SAPS and social development held a women’s empowerment session on August 31.
The theme of the event was ‘Break the silence against violence and related abuse’.
The Women’s Desk currently consists of about 30 women and its function is to deal with social ills and other various issues pertaining to women and children’s safety in their respective communities.
The event, which took place at Victory Tabernacle Church, attracted women from Reiger Park, Ramaphosa and Joe Slovo.
Esther Lenkoane, Women’s Desk chairperson said the event was aimed at encouraging women to speak out against abuse.
“Women are being abused and they are afraid to talk so we wanted to let them know that we are there for them.”
“This was our first big event and I must say that everything went well. We hope next year it will be bigger and better,” Lenkoane said.
Encouraging the women, Pastor Faith Taylor said due to the abuse women have experienced in their lives they live in fear and they tend to hide.
“God has made women unique, regardless of the scars and shame one has experienced in their lives they are still beautiful. It is important not to forget yourself and who you are.
“Let go of the secrets, past wounds and break the silence so that you can be free.”
Suzan Makamo from the Department of Social Development highlighted some of the services they render to the public.
“Women and children in most cases are regarded as powerless. This is why they are often taken advantage of. One of the factors of abuse is substance abuse which affects everyone.”
“If you have a child that’s using substance abuse they steal in your house and neighbours house causing you stress. We render substance abuse programmes which can help deal with the problem.”
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Women’s Desk in Reiger Park to tackle social ills impacting women
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