Celebrating Homeless Women’s Month

September 9, 2024September 9, 2024375 Views City of Johannesburg, Inner City, Women 1 min read

By Sithembile Moyo

The Department of Social Development (DSD) hosted a special event celebrating homeless women, to let them know they are not forgotten and will always be celebrated when it is due.

Mould Empower Serve (MES), the South African National Council on Alcoholism (SANCA), and the South African Youth Alive Council (SAYAC) were part of the event held at Botha.

The event honored homeless women, encouraging and empowering them. The women interacted with other stakeholders who provided them with information that would equip them for life after leaving shelters. The goal was to help them understand which routes to take and how to stand on their own with the knowledge they need, which they can also share with their families and friends. The aim was to empower them in different ways and expose them to opportunities they can explore for themselves.

Mathosi Maseko said, “Being homeless does not mean you are hopeless. There are opportunities out there that they can grab.”

Fifty women from three shelters in the Inner City were invited to the event. Homelessness is worsening in the Inner City, with many women experiencing struggles on the streets. More shelters must be available to accommodate women and children so that they are not stranded on the streets.

Sibonele Picane emphasized, “Women are capable of doing everything that men can do and more.”

Women were also warned about human trafficking and the signs to look out for. If experiencing or suspecting human trafficking, call: