Women shine at Mitchell's Plain Network Opposing Abuse women’s month celebration
From left are Cecilia Fritz, Precious Mbthatha, Elaine Hendricks, Enid Februarie, Gakhadija Bent and Fatima Kenny-Thomas at the celebration on Thursday August 7.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Women were celebrated at a high tea hosted by the Mitchell’s Plain Network Opposing Abuse (MPNOA), with the themes “Bring out your inner child” and “Today is the day to shine.”
On Thursday, August 7, the Beaconvale Frail Care Centre in Beacon Valley came alive with a Women’s Month celebration, bringing together women from different communities to honour their strength, resilience, and uniqueness.
Nazli Mohedeen, a member of the MPNOA organising team, said that the celebration aimed to ensure every woman felt seen, valued, and celebrated. “Each team brought their unique theme to life, and yet, like women everywhere, our differences blended into something truly extraordinary. From prizes, guest speakers, and certificates to moments of laughter and heartfelt recognition, the room was filled with warmth, elegance, and connection,” she said.
On Thursday August 7, the Beaconvale Frail Care Centre in Beacon Valley came alive with a vibrant Women’s Month celebration, bringing together women from diverse communities to honour their strength, resilience, and uniqueness.
Image: Supplied
“We all deal with trauma in different ways because we come from different areas and backgrounds. There must be equality and transparency so that no one feels excluded. Society often judges women, but here they can belong,” she said.
Many attendees completed 12-session community workshops, with the next programme scheduled for November. For Precious Mbthatha, 35, from Khayelitsha, the Community Skills Development workshops at the local Baptist Church have been life-changing, she said. “It’s like counselling. We learn to speak with boldness, to say no to abuse, and so much more. The teachers are patient and guide us every step of the way,” she said.
Fitness and wellness were also part of the journey. Elaine Hendricks of the Beacon Valley Fitness Club said sessions at the Beacon Valley Community Hall give women a space to share openly. “We can cry, laugh, and encourage each other. It’s about support as much as exercise,” she said.
The event offered a safe, welcoming space for reflection, empowerment, and connection on Thursday August 7.
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Residents Gakhadija Bent and Enid Februarie said the workshops reminded them of their worth. “We face challenges daily, but these sessions motivate us,” Ms Bent said. Ms Februarie said, “I now know I am worthy, unique, and strong. I was born to be me and no one else.”
As the day concluded, organiser Aneekah Mohedeen said celebrating women’s resilience is vital. “Taking time to love ourselves and spend moments with loved ones lifts us. It reminds us of our worth and power,” she said.