SASOLBURG – A group of 28 women survivors of gender-based violence was honoured recently after completing a three-week sewing course.
On Africa Day, 25th May 2023, Nyamukara Empowerment, a wholly Black women-owned non-profit organization hosted a graduation ceremony, fused with a dialogue session at Sasolburg Hall to celebrate the achievement of the 28 women.
The 28 women were presented with their accredited sewing certificates and their start-up packs valued at over R20 000 consisting of a domestic sewing machine, iron, ironing board, fabric pack, a laptops, router, and data to help them kick-start their income generation and employment efforts.
Godishanang Empowerment Programme is Nyamukara an initiative implemented in the province in partnership with the Free State Shelter Movement through the Victim Empowerment Programme.
Speaking at the ceremony, Elelwane Pahlana Executive Director of Nyamukara Empowerment said “We initiated this programme last year. It is important to support women survivors. It is important that when you leave here you become financially independent.
“We are committed to making sure that we play a role in the advancement of gender equity and the empowerment of women and girls,” she said.
Deputy Director General of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Shoki Tshabalala, urged the women to be strong and continue to work hard.
“We understand where you are coming from and we do have programmes which talk to this. We believe that providing you with relevant skills will make you independent and will motivate you not to want to go back to the perpetrators,” she said.
