Minister celebrates Women’s Day with Cagloo Foundation in Mitchells Plain

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Albert Fritz, addressed a gathering of 60 women from Strandfontein and greater Mitchells Plain, to celebrate Women’s Day.

The gathering was hosted by NGO, the Cagloo Foundation, and was a day filled with music, entertainment and various talks on topics affecting women.

The talks ranged from discussions about health, touching on how to live with and effectively manage chronic diseases, and a talk on wealth management by local residents and community activist, Priscilla George. The ladies also heard from motivational speaker, Bernadette Clarke.

“My Department remains committed to the task of addressing the issues faced by women, including tackling gender-based violence and any forms of abuse.” said Minister Fritz.

The Western Cape Department of Social Development allocated an additional R13-million more than last year, bringing the Victim Empowerment Programme budget to R45-million. This funds 16 shelters for victims of abuse across the province, and has boosted resources to tackle GBV and creates safe spaces for victims.

“However commemorating Women’s Day and Women’s Month should not be about viewing women as ‘helpless victims’, as South African women are strong, resilient and must take up their leadership roles in society”, said Minister Fritz.