6 September, 2005

By Clifford Mogotsi

TWO weeks after they gathered to march against abuse, Mogale City's women met again, but this time in celebration of Women's Month, at the City's market hall.

Women's Month is celebrated nationally in August, with Women's Day on 9 August. The City's social services directorate organised the event, at which women were able to market their small businesses.

Mapule Masetle, the social services deputy director, said one of the objectives was to encourage women to network, particularly to build links with those who had had remarkable and sustainable impacts on their communities.

"Our greatest challenge is to encourage more women to participate in women's issues and to empower them to make economic contributions aimed at making Mogale City a better place to stay," Masetle said.

During August women are acknowledged for their contributions to their communities. It is a month during which women can celebrate their achievements, empower other women to stand up for themselves and improve their self-worth.

Shongolollo art therapist Imme Thom urged women to stand tall and spark the creative spirit of abused or homeless children, and those who have taken refuge in substance abuse. Shongolollo is run by a group of women who assist children to express their difficulties and problems through art.

"We have helped abused children and now we also assist those who are infected with or affected by HIV/Aids," Thom said.

Driving the day's programmes was the outspoken councillor Bonny Molefe, who urged women to unite. "We have children who have resorted to prostitution and we have to unite and do something about it."

The day ended with social services director Shirley Mathebula and social services portfolio head Eunice Segatlhe handing out gifts to those women who had made their marks on the community.

Social services directorate