News

Empowering Communities: Cape Town’s Women and Men for Change Initiative

July 10, 2023

1 min read

The City of Cape Town has taken an innovative approach to empower its residents through the Women and Men for Change capacity-building programme. This initiative is led by the city’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department and has impacted over 900 individuals within the past year.

Women for Change Initiative

The Women for Change initiative, celebrating its ninth anniversary, fosters employment opportunities through the City’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Its primary goal is to empower women by providing training opportunities to improve their abilities, promote their active participation in communities, and foster their personal growth and skillset.

Participants in this initiative gain access to a wide range of training opportunities, including substance abuse, gender-based violence, entrepreneurship, conflict resolution, and First Aid. They are also deployed across the city, working in diverse sectors such as schools, clinics, libraries, early childhood development centers, and non-governmental organizations.

Men for Change Programme

The Men for Change programme seeks to reinforce the significance of fatherhood and male role models in the community. By promoting positive role models and healthy family dynamics, the programme aims to foster a safe and nurturing environment for children in the community.

Results and Impact

In the previous financial year, the two programmes collectively provided more than 900 opportunities, with 653 through the Women for Change programme and 259 through the Men for Change programme. Many participants continue to volunteer even after their EPWP contracts have terminated, while others have been employed by the organizations where they were placed.

Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross, highlighted the transformative impact of these programmes. Their impact may not be immediately evident, but by empowering individuals, they ultimately contribute to strengthening communities and addressing issues such as unemployment, substance abuse, violence, and gangsterism.

Ambassadors for the City

Programme participants also serve as ambassadors for the city, assisting those in need and facilitating access to various social services. Councillor van der Ross expressed her admiration for the engagement of numerous participants and expressed her aspirations for reaching an even wider audience in the coming year.

The Women and Men for Change initiative in Cape Town serves as an inspiring example of the power of capacity-building programmes to uplift communities. As more individuals continue to benefit from this initiative, the city aims to foster a more inclusive and prosperous environment for all its residents.

The Journey of Sandiso Hlalaphi: A Beacon for Mental Health Advocacy in South Africa

Sandiso Hlalaphi turned his own battles with sadness and suicidal thoughts into a powerful mission for mental health in South Africa. After a lifechanging 56km run in 2021, he founded the 4Impilo Mental Fitness Centre to create safe spaces for those in need. His upcoming 200km TownshiptoTownship Duathlon symbolizes hope and unity, as it connects different communities while raising awareness about mental health and genderbased violence. Hlalaphi’s journey shows how one person’s strength can inspire many, reminding us that no one has to face their struggles alone.

Saving the African Penguin: A Landmark Conservation Effort

A historic agreement has been made to protect the endangered African Penguin from extinction by limiting fishing around six important breeding islands. This deal, reached through cooperation among the government, conservation groups, and the fishing industry, aims to ensure the penguins have enough food to survive. Once a common sight along Africa’s coast, their numbers have dropped drastically due to overfishing. This landmark effort shows that people can work together to balance nature and industry, giving hope for a brighter future for these charming birds.

Latest from Blog

Unveiling the Rising Threat: Rabies in Cape Fur Seals

Rabies is now a serious threat to Cape Fur Seals, once seen as graceful ocean dwellers. Symptoms like aggression, confusion, foaming at the mouth, and paralysis signal the deadly disease’s presence. A recent shocking video shows a seal acting strangely, raising alarms among scientists. This marks a new danger for marine life, as rabies usually affects land animals. To fight back, researchers are launching a campaign to understand and protect these seals, reminding us how fragile our ocean ecosystems can be.

A Community Shaken: The Assault at Wellington’s BP Garage

A terrible event shook the peaceful town of Wellington when a petrol attendant was violently attacked at the local BP garage. Two men jumped out of their car and, after a simple request to park properly, unleashed an awful assault on the worker. The shocking incident was caught on video, spreading outrage throughout the community and sparking calls for justice. Residents, outraged by the violence, are rallying together, demanding accountability and a safer environment. This incident serves as a painful reminder of the importance of respect and unity in their community.

Uniting Cape Town: The Rise of Cat Fostering

In Cape Town, cat fostering is a heartwarming way for people to help cats and kittens find loving homes. Local groups like Foster Love Animal Rescue and TEARS play vital roles in this effort, making sure these furry friends receive care and support. As residents open their homes to these playful companions, they create strong bonds in their community, all while bringing joy and comfort into their lives. This beautiful movement showcases the city’s love for animals and the collective spirit to make a difference, proving that even in a busy city, kindness and compassion thrive.

The Looming VAT Hike in South Africa: A Deeper Dilemma

South Africa is facing a VAT hike from 15% to 16%, which makes life harder for many families, especially those with low incomes. This increase will raise prices on everyday items, like food and electricity, pushing struggling households into even deeper financial trouble. While the government claims this tax is needed to boost revenue for public services, it does little to fix bigger problems like unemployment and poverty. Instead of just raising taxes, the government should focus on creating jobs and supporting small businesses to help everyone thrive. Without real change, the future looks tough for many South Africans.

Exploring the Underwater Wonders of Cape Town

Cape Town is a magical place for diving, with stunning spots like Castle Rock, colorful kelp forests in False Bay, and the haunting Antipolis wreck. Divers can explore vibrant marine life and beautiful underwater landscapes at around 350 dive sites, perfect for everyone from beginners to experts. The kelp forests feel like an underwater jungle, offering peace and wonder, while the historical wrecks invite adventurous souls to uncover stories from the past. With its rich ecosystems and thrilling encounters with creatures like seals and dolphins, diving in Cape Town is an unforgettable adventure waiting to be discovered!

the ultimate mother city guide