By Mpumzi Mshweshwe:
Gender-based violence (GBV) survivors were shown full support and empathy by the Eastern Cape MEC for Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta, at the Protea Place of Safety in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) on Thursday, 8 May. Fanta and her department launched the Socio-Economic Empowerment Programme for women who are survivors of GBV. The initiative is designed to provide comprehensive support to survivors, enabling them to reclaim their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
Fanta launched the initiative with the aim of empowering women on their journeys towards recovery and independence. A total of 40 women were present at the event and received training and certificates. The socio-economic empowerment programme is designed to provide survivors with the tools, resources, and support they need to rebuild their lives and reclaim their agency. The programme is set to include vocational training, financial literacy training.
The programme includes employment support services, job placement assistance, resume writing workshops, and interview preparation. “We will work closely with local businesses and organizations to create partnerships that prioritize the hiring of survivors,” Fanta said.
Speaking on the need for the Socio-Economic Programme, Fanta said that survivors of GBV often face significant challenges in reintegrating into society after experiencing trauma. “Many are left without financial resources, which can trap them in cycles of dependency and vulnerability. To break free from these cycles, it is essential to provide survivors with the means to regain their independence and rebuild their lives,” she said.
Nosiphiwo Tyala, who was one of the women who attended the event, spoke highly of what she learned and how she felt the initiative would help her greatly going forward. “I learned how to make a pattern, how to cut, how to sew, I learned it all from scratch. I am very grateful to be in this programme because it will help me make money for myself, and there is a lot that I learned at the event,” she said.
Tyala expressed that the reason she joined the initiative was that she now had the chance to show her certificate to those she would show it to. The training and the experience were well received by Tyala and her friends, who also started a sewing business last year and are grateful to have a chance to improve on their skills thanks to the workshop.
The first pillar of the programme is set to focus on skills development and training. This was after it was recognized that many survivors lack access to education or vocational training, which can limit their employment opportunities. At the event, the women participated in a skills development training conducted by the South African Fashion Designers Agency, which collaborated with Sonwabile Ndamase’s Vukani Fashions, which designed the renowned Madiba Shirt.
“Through partnerships with local training institutions, NGOs, and businesses, we will offer a range of skills development programs tailored to meet the needs and interests of survivors,” said Fanta.
Through workshops, campaigns, and community events, the department will continue to engage the public in conversations about GBV, its impact, and the importance of supporting survivors. – @NewsSA_Online
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