YWCA South Africa

# # # History of Women's Day in South Africa

Women's Day in South Africa, observed annually on August 9th, commemorates the pivotal event in 1956 when over 20,000 women of all races marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. These women were protesting against the apartheid regime's pass laws, which required Black South Africans to carry internal passports, known as "passes," that severely restricted their freedom of movement.

This historic event demonstrated the strength and determination of South African women and their critical role in the struggle for freedom and equality. It remains a powerful symbol of the fight against oppression and the ongoing struggle for women's rights

The YWCA of South Africa Celebrated the stellar occasion in Style, with women from all walks of life coming together dressed in their Denim and stylish headwraps(doek) under the theme "Marriage and Divorce". With thought provoking, informative discussions from the likes of Adv Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale (Commisioner for Gender Commission), Zandile Masuku (Lungelo Women's Organization), Laura Kganyago (National Women's Coalition) and more Hosted by Nthabiseng Keroane. With the hall filled with over 100 women of different ages, various locations and organizations the occasion was definetly one for the books👌💙

"You strike a woman, You Strike a Rock!"

Reflecting on Mandela Day Celebration.

The 18th of July annually marks the birthday of the late head of state and struggle icon uTata Nelson Mandela. As commemoration for all the hard work and dedication he put into creating a free and inclusive rainbow nation, all members of society are urged to give 67 minutes of their time to their communities/people in need/ volunteer work.

YWCA being a community based organization and being in the forefront of regarding the needs of the community, we commemorated the special day by giving out food parcels to the members of the Dube community in Soweto, in partnership with Ward 38 Councilor Phindile Simelani.

In the wise words of Nelson Mandela, :"It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it."💙

Together, let's commit to making a positive difference in our communities through acts of kindness and service. 🇿🇦??🇦

16 JUNE 1976

June 16 is a public holiday observed annually in South Africa to commemorate and honor all those who lost their lives whilst fighting injustice against the Apartheid regime and rejecting the imposition of Afrikaans language. Many of our young people lost their lives. It serves as a poignant reminder of their role in the broader liberation movement and their ongoing contribution to its development.

As YWCA South Africa we commemorated the day through dialogue discussions with the youth of Soweto under the theme 'Actively embracing the socio- Economic gains of our Democracy"

We were also privileged to be joined by Yvonne Ogollah from Young Women's Christian AssociationYoung Women's Christian Association - YWCA KenyaYWCA Kenya, Wits RHI and Nacosa

Youth of 1976 you are remembered and appreciated ✊✊✊✊

From the 07th to the 09th of June 2024 the YWCA of South Africa (Gauteng Region) had the privilege of hosting a Gender Based Violence Workshop and training and Men's Conference in partnership with NACOSA under the DREAMS Foundation, WITS RHI, PEPFAR, USAID and No means No Campaign.

The theme of the boot camp being Your Own Power.

With reference from The RiseUp, Safe Space and Feminist Consultative Methodology toolkits.

The workshop beneficiaries(25 young women and 20 young men) acquired skills which include basic finacial literacy, SRHR, Mental Health, GBV and physical self defense skills, futhermore they volunteered to be tested and received counseling.

They all received Certificates of participation and are looking forward to the next sessions.

On the 15th of May the YWCA of South Africa (Gauteng Region) in partnership with StumboSA hosted INGWE Tea for an Entrepreneurship skills training.
As a pilot YWCA Youth were provided with teabags for sale in order to generate income for themselves.
This is the beginning of many more ventures.

On the 27th of April 2024 the Youth of YWCA South Africa (Gauteng Region) celebrated World YWCA day and Freedom day under the theme Resist, Reclaim, Revolutionize-No to rollbacks.

The young people shared their insightful views surrounding our upcoming democratic elections, Safe spaces, YW4A and FCM.

Fundamental key points that were taken from the session include:
1. The inclusion of the youth in advocacy and policy formulationand decision making.
2. Creating more safe spaces around our communities.
3. Inclusivity, diversity,equityand equality within schools,churches, communities and youth led spaces.

This was a fun filled day, and we express our gratitude to our partner StumboSA

The celebrations have only just begun!!!!🎉. As South Africa celebrates 30 years of Democracy and 2024 marks a pivotal year for elections, we want to commemorate, celebrate and engage with the young people of our country. We therefore present the World YWCA day and Freedom day celebration. Which is set to take place on the 27th of April 2024. Join us for a fun filled and informative day.🎉💙
WorWorld YWCACWorld YWCAiftingAsWeClimb

As we celebrate World YWCA day on April 24, here is a young messages from our Young Woman Lead Michelle Tehedy to her fellow counterparts.

On the 11th April 2024 YWCA-SA Free State region (Welkom) in partnership with Kagiso Trust held a voter education training for the upcoming South African Independent Electoral Commission which will be held on the 29th May 2024.

On the 11th of April 2024 the YWCA-SA Umtata womans support centre held a dialogue session with a group of 60 identified learners from 4 local schools within the Baziya area. This session was in collaboration with a fellow partner Tekano fellowship Organisation who are based in Johannesburg . They addressed them on Teenage Pregnacy, Early Childhood Marriages and Children's Sexual Health Rights.💙💙💙

Bophelong YOUTH Development Programme in partnership with YWCA-SA Free State Region held its first Nnuku Radebe Games Radebe Games in Virginia 21- 31 March 24.

The game were aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle, creating awareness against Alcohol, Substance and drug abuse, promote sports as a tool to fight gangster related crimes; and further to honor the YWCA stalwart and community; Me Nnuku Radebe

A total of 38 teams participated.
We'd like to thank all the Sponsors of this event and all Stakeholders.

On the 25th of March 2024 the YWCA-SA UWSC Umtata womans support centre team conducted an intergenerational Imbizo(Community meeting).
The theme: community leading strategies on reducing Sexual Gender Based Violence and Teenage Pregnancy at thr Baziya community. 62 participants were impacted.
The commissioners asked 3 questions, which are as follows;
What dreams do parents have for their children?
Which challenges are the youth/children faced with, resulting in dreams not being reached?
What are the roles and responsibilities of the parents, guardians and community at large in supporting the goals and dreams of the youth/children?

Key points that arised from the discussion included;
Teenage pregnancy, drugs, substances abuse and lack of opportunities.

Facilitated by UWSC Social Worker - Bukhobenkosi C'bonda

On the 2nd of March the YWCA of South Africa, Gauteng region-Soweto branch held their annual Meet and Greet/Open day to welcome previous attendees and new attendees.

With the theme being 'IDENTITY - Who are you?' We saw youth leader and facilitator Michelle Tehedy bring the element of fun with multiple activities and energizers and we had the lead facilitator for YWCA Nthabiseng Keroane getting into depth with the theme, as well as special guests from the Be Sure Hope Foundation unpacking the various topics brought up by the eager participants.

A special thank you to all the attendees and guests, we look forward to seeing you at the next session.🤗💐

📢WE ARE BACK LIKE WE NEVER LEFT!!!🤩📢

Join us for a vibrant, fun and activity filled day where you will engage with fellow peers and various leaders from all walks of life.

The theme of the day being 'IDENTITY' come and discover who you truly are. Gather all your friends. Can't wait to see you there🤗