Giving women hope

STRIVING to uplift the lives of poverty-stricken and abused women and children, Rita Abraham founded the South African Women’s Forte, a registered nonprofit organisation in 1997, officially launching it two years later.

For over 20 years, the organisation’s members have been empowering women, networking and fulfilling their social responsibility to campaign against violence against women and children.

“I am proud of how the organisation has evolved over the years. The ladies had done amazing work since our official launch in 1999,” she said.

“Since inception, we have also hosted a grand dinner and dance fund-raiser in aid of a specific charity each year.

“We also assist with the Angela Dube orphanage and Sahara shelter in Phoenix, among many other organisations,” said Abraham, who was appointed as the honorary president of the organisation earlier this year. The position allows her to be involved in executive decision making.

“One of the biggest cry out in women’s organisations is the violence against women and children. Rape, however, is the biggest cry. I don’t believe there is much being done to end these heinous crimes, especially if you look at what has been happening in India and Dubai,” she said.

“However, through our organisation, we believe that as long as a woman is empowered, she will be able to go into the world knowing that she will be emotionally and financially independent.”

Abraham, who was recently appointed Gopio International co-ordinator for Africa, concluded her two terms as the chairperson of the Gopio International Women’s Council at the end of last year.

The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin is aimed at promoting the well-being of people of Indian origin and non-resident Indians, with the purpose of enhancing of co-operation and communications between Indians in Durban and other countries around the world and a growing engagement of the diaspora with India.

“As the chairperson of the women’s council, I was able to form chapters from Paris to Mauritius, Reunion to Trinidad and Tobago, as well as being in charge of these chapters,” Abraham said.

“My new position will entail looking after all the chapters in Africa, and to open new chapters in places such as Mauritius and Seychelles, and to report once a month to the Gopio International office in New York.”

Abraham is also the vice-president of the Catholic Womens’ League and an active member of her church, Our Lady of Fatima in Durban North.

Abraham leads her life through her organisation’s motto: “To do what we can for a better tomorrow.”