GEORGE NEWS - Throughout August, the George Municipality Gender and Disability Office will commemorate Women’s Month with a diverse programme of events aimed at celebrating, empowering and supporting women across the municipality.
Under the national theme ‘Empowered Women Empower Nations’, this year’s programme honours the legacy of the courageous women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 to address the prevailing social, economic and personal development needs of women in both urban and rural communities.
The month-long programme aims to reach the community of George through various activities rolled out by the Gender and Disability Office together with its partners.
Official Women’s Month celebration
The official Women’s Month programme begins on 10 August at the Conville Community Hall, where about 150 women will gather for a day of worship, inspiration and empowerment. The celebration will recognise the achievements of women while encouraging unity, leadership and continued community involvement.
Celebrating adoptive and foster mothers
Also on 10 August, women from Touwsranten who have opened their hearts and homes to adopted and foster children will be honoured.
The programme, presented in partnership with the Department of Social Development, Badisa and other stakeholders, will provide support on positive parenting, understanding trauma, children’s emotional development and family well-being.
Building confidence through life skills
On 12 August, women from the Geelhoutboom community will participate in a life skills programme at Garden Route National Park.
The initiative focuses on restoring confidence, promoting self-care, improving personal wellness and providing information on employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and skills development.
Empowering rural women
Women’s Month celebrations continue in Herold on 15 August and Uniondale on 21 August, bringing together women from surrounding rural communities.
These events will provide motivational speakers, access to government and community support services, health and wellness information, gender-based violence awareness and opportunities for economic empowerment.
Honouring the legacy of elderly women
A special National Women’s Day tribute will be held at the Parkdene Community Hall on 17 August.
The event will honour elderly women, including those who participated in the historic 1956 women’s march, while recognising the invaluable contribution senior women continue to make within their families and communities.
Supporting women living with disabilities
On 24 August, the municipality will launch a Women with Disabilities Support Group in Touwsranten.
The initiative aims to create an inclusive support network where women can build confidence, develop practical skills and access opportunities for personal, social and economic growth.
Empowering women in business
Economic empowerment remains a key priority during Women’s Month. On 26 August, the Businesswomen¦s Empowerment Programme at Pacaltsdorp Community Hall will provide women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners with mentorship, networking opportunities, skills development and access to resources that promote sustainable businesses and job creation.
Closing Women’s Month in celebration
Women’s Month will conclude on 30 August at the Zone 9 Community Hall in Thembalethu with a special celebration honouring church women for their contribution to families, faith and community development.
Hosted in partnership with the Thembalethu Community Policing Forum, Phakamani Makhosikazi and Kuyakhanya FM, the event is expected to be attended by the executive mayor of George, who will present tokens of appreciation in recognition of the dedication and leadership demonstrated by women of faith.
A commitment to women’s empowerment
George Municipality’s Gender and Disability Office remains committed to promoting gender equality, social inclusion and economic empowerment through partnerships with government departments, community organisations, faith-based institutions and local stakeholders.
Women’s Month serves not only as a reminder of the bravery of the women who marched in 1956, but also as a celebration of the countless women who continue to build stronger families, resilient communities and a more inclusive South Africa.
The Gender and Disability office at George Municipality can be contacted on 044 802 2000.
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