Young women get to network – and upskill

IN AN effort to empower students from higher learning institutions with knowledge and skills, the Bumb’ingomso Leadership Network organised an event for young women at the Orient Theatre in Quigney recently.

Small Projects Foundation communications and marketing coordinator Spokazi Tyiwani said the aim of the Leadership Network Meeting was to network with young women in Buffalo City Metro.

“The networking meeting is the first edition for college and university students and it stands as an information system to inform young people on all our partners and interventions.

“It is also our way of introducing ourselves and to inspire the youth to make a difference in their communities,” she said.

The event included a package of programmes such as testing for HIV/Aids, STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and TB; information on how to connect with the right economic opportunities; psycho-social support within institutions of higher learning; as well as a market day for students.

Buffalo City Campus (BCC) student Unathi Langabi said she had learnt about gender-based violence and the power of unity among women in institutions of higher learning.

“I am a Safety in Society student so that was interesting for me to learn more about, as well as the different programmes that appeal to us young people,” she said.

Tyiwani said the networking meeting was also a build-up to the upcoming five-day residential programme that would take place in Stutterheim from July 2 to 6.

“What we do is take young women on a fiveday residential programme, and in the camp, we work on empowering these women with various skills that they can teach others,” she said.