Women share survival tips
This Monday, August 8th, the Grand Palm Hotel Casino Convention Resort hosted its third annual GM’s brunch. The event aims to honour and engage in conversation with women on issues affecting women and how to foster change in the community.
Since inception, the mandate of the brunch is to host phenomenal women from different walks of life including the likes of the Ntombi Setshwaelo ( Founding member of Emang Basadi and Gender Activist and Counsellor), Rhoda Sekgororoane ( former Block 5 area councilor) and Lily Rakorong ( HATAB CEO) as guest speakers.
Always ready to impart her knowledge and share pearls of wisdom, Mma Setshwaelo, encouraged women to be vocal and advocate for women equality through various groups as there is still marginal inequalities that women face. She also urged them to register and be part of empowerment forums that advocate for women such as Women in Business, and to go into activism whether in the private sector, politics, to mention a few. She also said that while there are many stumbling blocks that women face daily, they need to stand up and move away from their corners. “If you sit in your corner, you can’t see change,” she called, noting that everyone has a voice that matters.
She also shared that one of the reasons for few women going into politics was the fact that in most cases, the purse is controlled by men. “One of the reasons that prevent women from going into politics is because women are poor,” she said. Mma Setshwaelo also dispelled the myth that women put each other down, noting that this is far from the truth. Giving valid examples where women work together such as Wedding preparations, Funerals, she said that if women can work together at these events, then they can work together and support one another even in politics.
Also sharing her experience in politics was Rhoda Sekgororoane, who took guests on a journey on how she joined politics and the various challenges she faced. She encouraged women to support each other and advocated for more women in politics who can enforce policy change. HATAB CEO, Miss Lily Rakorong also gave an alluring presentation and spoke on how she fostered her way in a male dominated sector to impact change and be the voice that echoes for female inclusion. Also happening on the day, The Grand Palm Hotel Casino Convention Resort donated P174 000 to Thusang Basadi, an NGO that strives to elevate poverty and empower women through training, micro- loans, and savings program. This donation will help the NGO to help women from different backgrounds who are actively engaged in income generating micro businesses. The donation will also cover costs for a two- days business training and one ( 1) day mini show at the GICC Glass Marquee, plus P50 000 cash donation to support various businesses from their portfolio of women who need support. Receiving the donation, Kgomotso Nong- Program’s Director expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the donation as it will help them facilitate their training and aid micro businesses in need.
“I am a firm believer in uplifting women in our communities as they face so many inequalities, but still strive to accomplish so much.” remarked Keletso Bogatsu, General Manager.