George Municipality celebrates Women’s Month with Empowering Event in Borchards

The photograph above includes Megan Wolhuter, Georgina Philander, MMC for Community Development, Cllr Melvin Roelfse, Robyn Parks, Nancy Benjamin, Executive Mayor Ald Jackie von Brandis and Cllr Erika Brown at the event. In front is Nozipho Stone.

George Municipality’s women’s event, held in observance of Women’s Month, recently drew approximately 50 local women to Borchards Youth for Christ Hall, paying homage to thousands of women who protested the Pass Law and racial restrictions at the Union Building in Pretoria on August 9, 1956.

Themed “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” the event highlighted the vital role of women in leadership and collective action in driving social change. This year’s theme also focused on addressing gender equality and promoting opportunities for women to rise to leadership roles without facing discrimination.

The event, organised by the Gender and Disability subsection of Community Development, aimed to provide networking opportunities, motivational support, and practical information for women. Participants, including mothers of children enrolled in Kidstop programmes, received valuable insights and skills to improve their lives.

The event received enthusiastic feedback from attendees and was supported by several key stakeholders, including the Executive Mayor of George, Ald Jackie von Brandis, MMC for Community Development, Cllr Melvin Roelfse, Cllr Erika Brown, Department of Social Development and Child Welfare.

Nancy Benjamin, a guest speaker and survivor of gender-based violence (GBV), shared her inspiring journey from victimhood to empowerment. Benjamin, now an entrepreneur, offered a powerful testimony of reclaiming her life and achieving independence.

Additional speakers included social workers from the Department of Social Development and Child Welfare South Africa (CWSA), who addressed critical issues such as GBV, substance abuse, and child protection procedures. The event underscored the importance of continued efforts to support and empower women.

Letitia Cunningham, the event’s master of ceremonies, demonstrated that women can excel in diverse roles, including as master of ceremonies.

A special thanks were extended to SASKO George for their contributions to the day’s success.

Photos:

Mayor Jackie von Brandis addressing the attendees at the event.

Rachel Booysen from Child Welfare addressing the audience on Child Protection issues.

Georgina Philander from Department of Social Development, George speaking to the attendees.

Megan Wolhuter from the Department of Social Development, George doing her bit for Women’s Month.