Guest speaker of the day, Standiwe Bizo, has urged women to love each other and see the beauty in themselves.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Gugulethu women and other stakeholders came together to launch and organisation that would make it easy for them to get together.
Image: Phiri Cawe
A new NPO led by a team of activists aims to bring more activities and greater wellbeing to women.
Gugs Aura Women’s Circle was launched at an NY3A Community Creche in Gugulethu last Friday.
Founder Nomalady Xunjwa said the focus is on supporting women’s wellness.
“Our aim is to encourage women to celebrate their achievements. Women are faced with all of the challenges at home. We need to get to know their mental health status and support each other through activities. We need to unpack all the burdens, love ourselves and create the world we want.”
Ms Xunjwa said women must be celebrated individually or in groups. “We aim to address social issues in our areas but mostly we formed this organisation for women to be happy, go out and enjoy themselves. Women carry a lot of burdens on their shoulders. It is therefore a need for them to come together just to chill and be happy,” she said.
Various stakeholders, including activists, pastors, stakeholders and others attended the launch.
Ms Xunjwa said although the NPO was founded in Gugulethu, they will also reach out to surrounding areas.
“We are women as individuals, but we have to love each other and include each other in our happiness. We have to show that women are powerful beyond doubt. We cannot be reduced to non-entities while we are doing so much for our families, communities and the entire country. We are going to spread the gospel to other areas too. The world is looking beautiful for women. We should be women who love ourselves and see beauty in others,” she said
Guest speaker Standiwe Bizo echoed Ms Xunjwa’s words and urged women to be positive to change the world and see good in themselves.
She stressed the importance of love and forgiveness. “Beautiful people share beautiful things. They share visions. The world needs good hearts. Let us be positive as women. Forgiveness is important. Let us have peace in our hearts. Stop the hate."
She said real women help children even if they are not theirs. Ms Bizo appealed to those gathered there to know what is going on in their neighbours' homes and share food if there is a need. “If you see your neighbour's child going to school with a torn uniform, do something. Do not just look away while you see the wrong. Help her go to school with dignity and confidence. By doing so you are building the world we want,” she urged.