The City of Cape Town’s Arts and Culture Development Branch hosted a two-day workshop this weekend, titled ‘She paves her path’, in collaboration with Artscape’s Women’s Humanity Festival. The workshop focused on gender awareness and gender based violence.The women who attended the event included GBV survivors and house mothers based at GBV shelters.
In honour of Women’s Day the workshop theme ‘She Paves the Path’, is a statement of empowerment.
‘The theme not only celebrates the resilience of women, but it places emphasis on the empowerment and self-determination of a woman carving her own path to success and healing despite any challenges she is faced with. The workshop not only enabled women to engage with and support each another, but to plan for an inspiring and solution-focused way forward,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
Using culture and creativity as tools for social change, connection and engagement, the workshop sessions, designed by a social worker and facilitated by an experienced psychologist and counsellor, included exploring other social issues and themes related to gender based violence and gender awareness, and also acted as a psychologically and physically safe space for the women to share their lived experiences, and connect, support and learn from the different paths they have journeyed.
The outcome of this two day session was an opportunity to reflect and participants drafted a plan for change to support their healing process on a personal, community and a societal level.
The workshops covered themes in relation to gender based violence and gender awareness, but also acted as a platform for the women to share their experiences and provide support to one another.
As part of the outcome, participants drafted a plan of change to support their healing process on a personal, community and a societal level.
They also had an opportunity to take part in the Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival, which included the #StepUpForChange Pledge, the ‘She had a name’ Exhibition, the Battered Housewives Club Production and the Humanity walk.
The overall feedback from the women involved in this initiative was a deep sense of gratitude, connection, community and a call to action – all important elements in their path to healing and creating systemic change.
‘GBV mostly takes place behind closed doors and the workshop provided a safe space where the women could speak in confidence, without bias or fear. With the knowledge and information provided, these women can heal and help others to speak up who may be in the same situation. It affects us all and we need more conversations if we are going to put an end to GBV,’ said Councillor Van der Ross.
