- A special event at Makers Landing celebrated women working tirelessly to feed disadvantaged communities in Cape Town.
- The gathering aimed to honor their selfless contributions and provide them with a rare opportunity for networking and pampering.
- Speakers encouraged these women to continue their impactful work.
To acknowledge women who tirelessly work to feed disadvantaged people across Cape Town, a pampering and networking session was held at Makers Landing on Tuesday 13 August.
Several organisations, including SA Harvest, V&A Waterfront, Den Anker and the Kolisi Foundation joined hands as part of the Women’s Month celebrations. They invited about 100 women to a morning of good food, motivational talks and entertainment.
Margolite Williams, partnership and procurement manager for SA Harvest, said the aim was to show gratitude to the women for their selflessness.
Williams said these women don’t often get the opportunity to network with others.
“Now they can see there is another lady down the street that is doing what she is doing so that they can share ideas.”
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Shining light
Williams encouraged the group to continue to be a beacon of hope to the vulnerable.
“Keep on doing what you are doing. The community appreciates what you are doing. You are not only someone who’s feeding, you are a social worker to the communities of Cape Town.”
Shireen Nicholson and her husband Mark founded the Lavender Hill Sport Creation. They feed about 350 people three times a week.
Nicholson said she never gets time for herself and added that she is grateful to the organisers for acknowledging the work women do.
“It is a privilege to be here. It is difficult to get away from home because we are so busy.”
She was also treated to a face-painting session by make-up artist Na-eelah Gassiep.
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Carmen Hector, co-founder of a Factreton-based non profit company (NPC) called the 123 Movement, said: “Being here means that we are seen. The women that are here are the ones that are on the ground, making the food and meeting the people and they do it because they love it. Being honoured and told that you are worth it means a great deal.”
Grateful
Rachel Kolisi, chief executive officer of the Kolisi Foundation, thanked the women for their contributions to the vulnerable. She said when South Africans unite, great things can be achieved.
With Women’s Month in full swing, Kolisi encouraged women to take up spaces in communities.
“Do not underestimate yourself and the value you bring to your home, family, community and workspace. We, as women, have been accustomed to questioning ourselves, our decisions, and the spaces that we come into. Back yourself and believe that you are where you should be.”
