The City of Cape Town hosted 130 women from Athlone, Langa and Bonteheuwel at the Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival as part of its Women’s Month programme.
Hosted through the City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department, the women participated in the annual festival, which uses arts, culture and creative activities to encourage dialogue around issues affecting communities.
The department is also a sponsor of the festival, which includes theatre productions, exhibitions and workshops throughout August.
Participants were selected from Arts and Culture intervention programmes operating in their communities, as well as through referrals and ward allocations.
The National Women’s Day programme included a Humanity Walk commemorating the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, said Women’s Month provided an opportunity to recognise both the contribution of women and progress towards greater equality.
“Women’s Month is not only an opportunity to remember and honour those who have paved the way for women’s rights, equality and social justice. It’s a time for us to build on that legacy and to recognise the progress and the work still needed to protect women’s rights and safety,” Higham said.
“I salute the women among us who lead, teach and get up each day to contribute quietly to their families and communities. We celebrate their strength and resilience.”
The Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival is being presented in association with Woman Zone under the theme “Peace in action working together.”
This year’s programme places an emphasis on healing, inclusion and active peacebuilding through arts and culture.
The festival continues until 31 August.
The festival highlights healing, inclusion and peacebuilding through arts and culture, with its programme continuing until 31 August and the 130 women’s participation framed as part of the City’s wider Women’s Month community outreach.
