More than 400 Mitchell’s Plain women attended a breakfast of pampering and talks at Portland indoor sports centre to end off Women’s Month on Wednesday August 31.
They were hosted by Mitchell’s Plain Community Advice and Development Project (MPCADP) who held weekly meetings in addressing women’s rights, gender-based violence and parenting skills at various venues in and around Mitchell’s Plain.
The last event culminated with guests, including deputy minister of justice and constitutional development John Jeffery, representatives from the Women’s Legal Centre, Gunfree SA, Mitchell’s Plain Network Opposing Abuse and Discover Your Power Support Group founder Venetia Orgill, who delivered celebratory speeches of women’s achievements and work still to be done.
Mr Jeffery announced the opening of a temporary Thuthuzela Care Centre, a one-stop facility assisting survivors of rape, aiming to reduce secondary victimisation and to build a case ready for successful prosecution, at Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital during this financial year.
The women were pampered by students from College of Cape Town beautician students with manicure and sit-down massages.
Members of Mitchell’s Plain’s health department were on hand to do blood pressure, blood glucose levels, cholesterol and HIV testing. They were also able to have oral hygiene checks.
Veronica Simmers, from the Mitchell’s Plain Advice Office, reminded those present that the office was formed before the recorded date of 1986.
The Mitchell’s Plain Crisis Centre, which preceded the advice office, was formed in 1981 as a result of a child being killed in a car accident on AZ Berman Drive.
“The advice office was driven by women in the office and on the board.
“Women see challenges and immediately come up with ways to deal with these challenges,“ she said.
Ms Simmers said it was the first time that so many women got together under one roof in Mitchell’s Plain.
“More of these sessions must be organised, especially for conversation about the challenges confronting Mitchell’s Plain and South Africa at large,” she said.