Gert Sibande District Municipality held a women’s summit at the mayor’s parlour last Thursday in a bid to uplift women of the district .
The theme of the day was “Moving women’s agenda forward through socio-economic transformation”.
Women from all seven municipalities came in numbers with GSDM Executive Mayor Mr M Chirwa in attendance.
The event kicked off with the lighting of candles in memory of fallen victims of the HIV/Aids pandemic and gender-based violence.
Messages of support were given by various organisations and leaders, including the Gert Sibande House of Traditional Leaders and Queen Mothers of various royal houses around the district.
Presentations from government entities like the Department of Health, Social Development and Home Affairs were presented with the main theme being the fight against women and child abuse, women’s health,women arming themselves with knowledge in order to be financially independent and pushing the women-in-business agenda.
Mr M Chirwa gave the keynote address, emphasising the need for women to create their businesses for the benefit of themselves and the community.
He reiterated his words at past events that women should start cooperatives, as government gives more opportunities to such businesses.
He added that women should use government resources available to them, as the district municipality has allocated funds in the budget to assist cooperatives.
Mr Chirwa ended his address by handing over tools and equipment to cooperatives run by women around the district.
The women split into commissions where various issues affecting women were discussed, including the reduction of and combating the HIV virus, tuberculosis and STIs.
Women’s Skills Development was at the forefront of discussions with various presentations from stakeholders like Old Mutual providing information for the women to empower themselves.
The fight against violence against women and children abuse was addressed, with actions that will be taken to address such social ills and challenges suggested.
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