Every year, in August, our country marks Women’s Month. We pay tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of ‘Pass Laws’ to women. A system meant to control women and reduce them to inferior passive beings.
Women’s Month is a tribute not only to the thousands of women who marched on that day but it is a day to recognize the extraordinary acts of women in standing together, as a united force, to advance gender equality around the world.
In celebration of Women’s Month the LCSA acknowledges the efforts of it’s staff and board members, who despite all odds, continue to serve the aged and vulnerable. Especially during this COVID pandemic which reigned over our community, they risked their lives in service to the aged.
These unsung heroines ensured that during the heavy lockdowns our senior citizens received cooked food delivered to them.
Since, March 30, 2020 grocery hampers, basic medical necessities, blankets, masks, blankets, gaiters and numerous others items were delivered to our senior citizens. Registrations for the vaccine and transportation to the various health facilities was also coordinated by our team. Our dedicated social workers ensured that counselling and contact sessions were continued, in order to maintain the mental and psychosocial well-being of our aged.
To further entrench our support for Women, we, the LCSA are committed to supporting the Laudium Women’s Network in establishing a safe house for victims of gender based violence and abuse at the Bhidia Centre on 2nd Avenue in Laudium.
Mother Teresa said,
“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is a drop in the ocean but the ocean would be less because of that missing drop!”
– Ahmed Arbee
Chairperson
Laudium Care Services for the aged
How I wish more women can be heard.
Can be empowered and given opportunities.
Can be respected and be credited.
Can be loved and valued.
Can have their choices and opinions.
Can have their privacy and freedom.
Cannot be policed nor by their looks, clothes or behaviour.
Can take accountability and responsibility for their actions.
Can own up to their decision.
You are a transformational force. You’re a facilitator of change. you are a limitless wheel of fortune. You are adaptable, you are a perfect role player, you are an executionist, you are powerful, you are a great asset to humanity. Your spirit is indestructible.
To all women out there.
HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY
WE LOVE AND APPRECIATE YOU.
– ANCWL chairwoman (ward 61)Shenaaz Wassim
* Shenaaz has appealed to Laudium businesses to sponsor sanitary items for young girls from disadvantaged homes, attending Laudium schools. Shenaaz can be contacted on: 072 110 2888.
