​Last week Thursday, the Gauteng Department of Social Development in Ekurhuleni Region engaged women of all ages on issues affecting them and to celebrate the role they play in society.
Over one hundred women from Payneville in Springs made their way to the Bakerton Community Centre to engage the Department on social issues that affect them and to seek opportunities that will enhance them economically.

The Department addressed the issue of gender-based violence, substance abuse, and sustainable livelihoods. It further brought together various stakeholders such as Gauteng Department of Health, SANCA, and Legal Aid to speak about their services.

One of the key issues that emanated was the high rate of crime in the area and drug users who continue to be a problem to the community.

Addressing residents in response to the plight of the community, Gauteng Social Development Ekurhuleni Regional Director, Phumla Nkosi, stated that the Department will plan on having mobile offices so that Social Workers are easily accessible in their area.

“We will also improve and continue to empower those who are in our rehabilitation centres with skills so that they exit our centres with a plan that is sustainable,” said Nkosi.

“Women endure hardships, but they fix themselves up and continue like nothing has ever happened. We are women, and we were created to be different. We give birth and go back to our homes to continue with our daily duties as if we are not feeling any pain,” she said.

Speaking of Sustainable Livelihood Programmes, Precious Makgoale stated that the Department has different programmes that benefit women such as Welfare-to-Work.

“We are looking for young people in the area of Slovo Park, Payneville and Bakerton to start development centres as currently there is none that is operational. These centres will assist the youth particularly women to attain amongst others, skills such as computer training and will be linked to jobs,” said Makgoale.