Workshop opens doors for crafty women

WARD 68 women for given the chance to improve their lot during an empowerment workshop hosted by the South Durban Basin (SDB) Area Based Management (ABM) office.

Along with the libraries and heritage department and NGO, Black Canvas, the SDB ABM team held a women empowerment workshop at the Elarish Conference Centre. The ‘Zazi Women’ programme, started previously in partnership with the KZN Network, was the forerunner to the programme.

Soft furnishing products and services created by the Zazi Women were displayed at the event and the creators were taught ways to create their own businesses and become financially independent.

“I believe so many disadvantaged women have fantastic business ideas, but don’t have the means of making those ideas a reality. I was glad to have the opportunity to harness the energy of these women, to create these beautiful items,” said Black Canvas’ Melanie Rutgers.

SDB ABM social development co-ordinator, Anitha Govender added: “Empowering women is the key to strengthening their participation in decision-making, which is the most important key to socio-economic development”.

A youth segment of the programme had young men from ‘#TheMovement’ share their dream of creating change within their communities.

“My journey as a Zazi ambassador has made me stronger and I stand here proudly because it made me see the potential in myself and my abilities in craftwork. I thank the SDB ABM and everybody who made this day possible, because without you, those beautiful things you see wouldn’t have been possible,” said former Zazi Woman trainee, Mariam Bennet, who is now part of Black Canvas.