The Women's Pink Table talks mothers and motherhood

GEORGE NEWS - The honest sharing of personal experiences by local family lawyer Alida Gerber and motivational speaker and social media influencer Left Sleeve at the Take a Seat at Our Pink Table event surely left no one in the audience untouched.

Emotions shifted from tears the one moment to laughter the next as the two speakers openly bared their pain, fears, confusion and struggles through difficult times, but with humour and an outlook on life that keep hope and gratitude burning.

The event was hosted by The Women George at the Hawthorn Boutique Hotel on Saturday as a celebration of motherhood.

Gerber talked about the battle of going through her own divorce, the impact it was having on her children, the embarrassment of 'washing your dirty laundry in public' in front of people she knows, and being branded. "My experience has made me an expert in divorce, and that is ironic," she said.

But the experience has given her a new perspective that enables her to help others going through the same thing.

Left Sleeve gave a peek into his life story of living with a slight physical disability on the right side of his body that resulted from a car crash while his mother was pregnant with him.

His brilliant storytelling, using random words given by the audience, kept everyone mesmerised. Through his and his parents' story of overcoming when tragedy strikes, he stirs up courage and hope. He singled out his mother's impact on his life that has helped him on the path to sobriety.

Left Sleeve, Alida Gerber and Tanja Lategan on stage.

Little Lila Gerber, after amazing the audience with her singing and keyboard playing, filled in Left Sleeve's talk with sound.

Artist Tanja Lategan exhibited some of her inspiring artworks that celebrate women's femininity and strength in daunting and sometimes limiting circumstances. Works of some of her art students girls' works could be admired as part of the lovely table decor.

Also wowing the audience were two gifted young dancers from George, Judah Mkhambi and Chloe Swanepoel, who have qualified to represent South Africa at the Dance World Cup finals in Spain in July. The Women George is helping to raise funds for their travels and participation.

For more info on the fundraiser or on The Women, send an e-mail to thewomensnetworkgeorge@gmail.com or phone 079 915 9614.

Jacqui Beukes and Leanie Oosthuizen

Rozette Katzen and Harriet Heyns

A group of ladies who enjoyed the morning together. Back: Tracey Ueckermann, Christelle Roodt, Nikki van den Heever and Marlien Erasmus. Front: Elizma Snyman, Nadia van Rooyen and Louvaine Combrinck. Photos: Alida de Beer