Speaker of Council in the City of Johannesburg Cllr Nonceba Molwele had a master class session for young women, empowering them on gender-based violence (GBV) issues at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein.
The purpose of this master class on Saturday was because women, young and old, are faced with many challenges including GBV. Cllr Molwele also identified the need to empower them on leadership values and principles, not just professionally, but emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.
“Women have to continuously fight discriminatory laws, institutions, and attitudes that restrict their leadership and full participation in public life.
“Women face what is known as a second pandemic in the form of gender-based violence. This is exacerbated by the fact that they are not yet part of the economic mainstream, and even more women remain relatively under-represented in positions of authority and power, even though women make up just over half of the population,” Cllr Molwele.
“I have had some interactions with young women, listening to the horror stories they have experienced at their campuses such as rapes in broad daylight, hijackings, trafficking.”
The master class also suggested the importance of bringing in young men into the fray.
Among the guest speakers was Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibuko, who said some men resort to violence because they feel intimidated by young women as they climb the ladder of success.
“Women should refrain from asking for cellphone passwords of their partners because it is one of the leads to GBV,” she said.
Investing in young women’s leadership will not only change the trajectory of their future, but of their communities as well.
“As local government, we have the most direct impact on gender-based violence and femicide and so we must ensure widened access of basic services especially to women,” Cllr Molwele concluded.
