Douglasdale police celebrate Women’s Month at Kyasand
Douglasdale police and Stakeholders empower women in a community engagement event.
In celebration of Women’s Month, the Douglasdale police recently organised a collaborative community engagement event, joined by several stakeholders. The event aimed to address various issues affecting women in society. Held at the Kyasand Informal Settlement, the event covered topics such as the consequences of illegal abortions and alternative options, mental health and trauma counselling, availability of rehabilitation services for drugs as well as substance abuse including the importance of mentoring children in a positive way.
The gathering witnessed the participation of approximately 200 women, with organisations like Impact Baby Rescue, National Children Violence and Trust (NCVT), South Africa National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA), Community Police Forum (CPF), Ukusa Kwami, CR Church, Health Post, Government Communication and Information System and Communication Safety Brigades lending their support.
One of the crucial issues discussed during the community engagement was the negative impact of illegal abortion. The participants were made aware of the risks associated with unsafe and illegal procedures, emphasising the importance of seeking legal and professional alternatives. Various options, such as pregnancy counselling, adoption services, and support for single mothers, were highlighted to empower women to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.
Recognising the significance of mental health and the need for trauma counselling, the event shed light on the available resources within the community. Trained professionals and organisations specialising in mental health were present to provide guidance and support to women dealing with emotional challenges and traumatic experiences. The participants were encouraged to seek help and support, emphasising the importance of destigmatising mental health issues.
The CPF Chairperson Lizzy Mabena encouraged women to work together and participate in the socio-economic activities aimed at empowering women in our country.
The station commander of Douglasdale Police Station, Brigadier Veeshani Ariku also advised women to stop drinking with strangers, the impact of walking alone in dark areas, and that women must stop withdrawing cases of gender-based violence as this might negatively impact their lives. She concluded that ‘women must love themselves, have pride and be independent’.
The success of the event was attributed to the collective effort of various stakeholders. Impact Baby Rescue, an organisation dedicated to supporting mothers and children in need, shared valuable insights on alternative options for unplanned pregnancies. The NCVT emphasised the importance of protecting children from violence and abuse. The CPF highlighted its commitment to ensuring community safety and promoting cooperation between the police and residents. Ukusa Kwami, an organisation focused on empowering women, contributed by addressing gender-related issues and advocating for women’s rights.
The joint community engagement event organised by the Douglasdale police and stakeholders was a significant step towards empowering the women of Kyasand.
The police also appeal to members of the community to keep on reporting all criminal activities in their area by phoning Douglasdale police on (011)6991300 or 0716757158 or 0860010111 or alternatively use the MySAPSApp to provide tipoffs anonymously and or to find their nearest police station.
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