18 Jun 2020

 The extreme social distancing period provided many with an opportunity to think outside the box and come up with initiatives geared towards  improving livelihoods.

During that period, a group of elderly women aged above 50 at Sehithwa village brainstormed over the idea to form an association, which will break down barriers and empower women to achieve opportunities they are entitled to.

The newly formed association named ‘Good Hands Shelter’ advocates for initiatives, policies and research that promote women empowerment, youth, people living with disabilities and the underprivileged society to ensure sustainable upgrading of socio-economic entrepreneurial skills.

The chairperson of the association, Ms Maletelo Molatlhiwa explained in an interview that the association comprised of 20 women who found it important to come together and elevate themselves in business. 

The women, she said, were eager to uproot poverty by venturing into projects they had identified such as gardening, horticulture and sewing, among others.

She said the group consisted of women who were mostly hard hit by poverty during the lockdown period as many were in the informal sector, hence the formation of the association to explore available opportunities as a team.

Through the association, she said they aimed at empowering and calling on women to support one another as well as instill the spirit of sisterhood and teamwork.

Ms Molatlhiwa revealed that the association also intended to promote cultural pride and diversity as they wanted the society to embrace the diverse cultures and make a living out of cultural activities.

She believed that they could use indigenous knowledge to explore available opportunities around them, adding that some members had acquired different life and entrepreneurial skills that they could use to venture into big projects which would eventually bring more benefits to communities.

In addition, she said they had found some professional partners who showed interest to facilitate training for their members,  especially in utilising natural resources to make a living.

Ms Molatlhiwa believes that teaching women business skills had long-term benefits in sustaining businesses and in developing new ones.

 She expressed optimism that the association would bring a significant change as they would be providing support and motivation to grow women businesses.

The association, she said, would not only focus on women empowerment, but would also embark on charity activities in an effort to improve the lives of the disadvantaged society members.

Ms Molatlhiwa said they had sold the association to the village leadership, who assured them of great support. ENDS