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02 August 2022 Media Release: Women’s Month launched at Garden Route DM – every single effort will make a difference, no matter how small

Media Release: Women’s Month launched at Garden Route DM – every single effort will make a difference, no matter how small

For Immediate Release
2 August 2022

This year National Women’s Day and Women’s Month will be celebrated under the theme: “Women’s Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment: Building Back Better for Women’s Improved Resilience.” Women’s month is all about putting a spotlight on the challenges that women still face as well as celebrating the successes of women in all spheres of life.

On Monday, 1 August 2022, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) councillors and employees kicked-off National Women’s Month in a very original way by forming a human chain in front of the head office to reflect on the progress made towards the promotion of women’s rights and the elimination of injustices against them.   The programme director for the event was Alderlady Iona Kritzinger, GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Corporate Services, who set the scene for this historic event.

During a short semi-formal ceremony, GRDM Speaker Alderlady Georlene Wolmarans, organiser and initiator of the event, started her speech by encouraging women to always strive to be themselves, to live their lives as they feel comfortable, and to take time for themselves. “Women are often the backbone of their families,” she said. Alderlady Wolmarans elaborated on the national theme of 2022 Women’s Month. She affirmed that the GRDM will always strive to focus on resolving the issues faced by women and continuously raise awareness about gender equality. She concluded by saying, “Those who know me, know that I have a zero tolerance approach towards abuse in all its ugly faces. In order to turn around the persistent problem of women struggling for equality, we must continue to build on the courage of women. “I would like to encourage women and victims of gender-based violence to be courageous, to stand up, to show strength, and to make their voices heard. This will help people to take control and provide motivation for those who have lost their voices and dignity.” Speaker said.

“All of us have been affected by gender-based violence, either directly or indirectly. I believe that there is no woman standing here today who doesn’t know of a woman who has been abused, whether it be yourself or someone you know; and yet here you are today, shining, smiling, and looking so beautiful.  Know that there is so much power and resilience within you. Continue to smile and be proud of who you are and continue to fight for your rights.” With these words, fellow female colleague, Pamela Lufele, Chief Audit Executive of GRDM, encouraged women during the launch.  Moreover, Lufele highlighted the qualities/model of a true woman as outlined in two scriptures of the Bible, which are in contrast to what the ‘world’ portrays today, and in conclusion, inspired all women present to recognise and find themselves within the scripture’s about women and remind themselves of the way God sees them. “Then you will not have to compare yourself with anyone else. You will not feel the need to undermine yourself or feel inadequate or insecure, but rather you will embrace your true self. You will know that in order for you to shine, you won’t need to be in someone else’s light, for we can all shine together. Once we have reached that stage, we will then use this power to be the keepers of our sisters and fix each other’s crowns,” she concluded.

Ms Pamela Lufele, Chief Audit Executive of GRDM who motivated women during the launch.

Deputy Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Gert van Niekerk, remarked that the universe cannot function without women. He focused on the various strengths and qualities of women. He also acknowledged the significant role women of all races and religions have played and continue to play in society and the development of South Africa. Ald. van Niekerk saluted them with dignity and respect. He believes that women are the strength behind every man. They have made their own unique sacrifices to build South Africa to achieve the democratic state we all enjoy today.

“My wish for women is to give them the recognition and respect they deserve. Over the years, I’ve learned that if you have the right woman in your life, your life is sorted. And this is not only restricted to marriage, but in all spheres of the environment. Men, let us admit that at every stage of our lives, we need women. So let us respect and cherish women, because they are the ones working double shifts.

Throughout the event, the GRDM Choir entertained officials with appropriate songs of praise which created and set a joyful atmosphere.

The highlight of the event was when everyone present formed a human chain, leaded by a ‘freedom song’ sung by the choir, remembering the women and children who have lost their lives due to the evil of gender-based violence.

Other initiatives by GRDM for the month of August 2022:

Sanitary Towel Drive

As part of the GRDM’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, the employees of the GRDM in collaboration with the Pep Stores, bought and donated more than 260 sanitary towels. These will be donated to schools where kids often cannot afford such basic necessities. Schools will be identified from a list provided by Department of Health.

Click on the link to watch the video: https://youtu.be/PBgKpc8HElY