Celebrating Women’s Day With a Splash

Approximately 200 women from around the Western Cape celebrated Women’s Day by participating in a “learning to swim” event at Blue Downs Indoor Swimming Pool on 9 August 2014. The event was hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport and Western Province Aquatics.

The day began with Captain Finn Nimb of the South African Police Service speaking about reporting crimes such as rape. The Community Intervention Centre (CIC) spoke about its work of providing a free 24-hour trauma and counselling intervention service. Participants then got to enjoy trying out tae bo, a type of martial art. The Gugulethu Older Person’s Forum provided impromptu entertainment by singing Lukhanyo. 

After warming up, the women started learning how to swim. They were shown swimming basics and how to float in water. Raygaana Bester spoke about the vital importance of water safety. Participants were surprised to learn that something as simple and inexpensive as an empty cold drink bottle can be used as an emergency flotation device.

Ethel Peterson enjoyed the day. She said, "The water was a challenge. I was a little scared to put my face under water. But I had a lot of fun on my Women’s Day".

The strong and powerful message that participants left with is that the women of South Africa can stand proud and with their heads held high, because of everything that they have achieved.