Page 20 - KZN Business Sense 9.4 - Shadrach Karien (Cover)

CELEBRATING WOMEN THROUGH FLOURISHING

AND BEING ROOTED

cebolethu Group celebrated celebrated annually to honour the activities designed to inspire, made significant contributions day. However, I am glad that we
women’s day on the 9th achievements and contributions educate, and empower attendees. to advancing women’s rights were able to gather around this
Iof August 2023, at the of women throughout history and and gender equality. room and share ideas, opportunities
Houghton Hotel, which was across various fields. Highlights of the event include: ■ Networking Opportunities: and empower one another.
hosted by Nomfundo Mcoyi The Flourish Women’s event ■ Panel Discussions: A chance for attendees to Flourishing is about being rooted
Zondo as a leading advocate for brought together a diverse group Engaging discussions led by connect with like-minded in the gifts and purpose God has
gender equality and women’s of thought leaders, activists, accomplished women from individuals, fostering a for you and shining through such
empowerment. Flourish professionals, and Icebolethu various industries, focusing supportive community for blessings. The way I see it, there
Women’s event aimed to honour staff members to celebrate the on topics such as leadership, women from all walks of life. is room for every queen to shine,
the achievements of women, progress made in promoting women in beauty, finance, and that is why I am dedicated
raise awareness about gender gender equality, while also entrepreneurship, and more. “I am honoured to have hosted to hosting this annual Flourish
equality, and provide a platform acknowledging the work that ■ Keynote Speakers: this annual Flourish event. As event for my fellow queens,” said
for meaningful discussions on still needs to be done. This event Inspirational talks by women, we deserve to be celebrated Nomfundo Mcoyi Zondo. 
women’s rights. Women’s Day is featured a dynamic lineup of prominent figures who have 365 days a year; not only on this W: www.icebolethugroup.co.za

#EMPOWERHER COMMUNITY PROGRAMME

n a convergence of well-timed leaders, of playing an active basic human rights. match balls, whistles, water bottles, women, with topics of discussion
synchronicity, Women’s role in their own destiny and of and care packs containing sanitary including the transformative
IMonth in South Africa this stepping away from a future which The Sappi #EmpowerHer Netball towels and toiletries. power of sports in a young girl’s
year also saw the Netball World determines that adolescent girls Recreation Programme was The culmination of their training life, teenage pregnancy, menstrual
launched with the training of 24
Cup and Women’s Football World and young women will account young individuals to become was showcased in a tournament hygiene, and ways to combat
Cup taking place, providing the for 35 percent of all new HIV accredited Level 1 netball coaches on Saturday 12 August, when the violence against women and girls.
ideal time for Sappi to launch its infections and where gender-based
#EmpowerHer netball programme violence statistics predict that and umpires in their respective young coaches put their skills “This programme aims to
in its neighbouring communities. one in five women (21 percent) communities surrounding its into action featuring eight local celebrate the potential of women
are likely to experience physical Sappi mills in KwaZulu-Natal. teams from areas surrounding in our communities and using
In consultation with the violence by a partner. The training, facilitated by Netball Umkomaas, Stanger and Mandeni sport as a vehicle to do so offers
Traditional Councils around KZN and loveLife, a youth health in KwaZulu-Natal. It was a fun- many benefits. The #EmpowerHer
its mills in KwaZulu-Natal, Crucially, the programme also NGO, empowers these young filled day with exciting matches, programme seeks to encourage
concern was expressed about addresses the real issue of period coaches to use sport as a tool to culminating in a thrilling final, and help young women through
the high teenage pregnancy rate poverty, where an estimated address societal challenges faced by which saw the Diamonds from the the promotion of a healthy lifestyle
as well other societal factors 30% of women in South Africa young people, especially girls and KwaCele Traditional Council (TC) to gain confidence and to step up
indicating that something miss school when menstruating young women. The programme situated in the Amandawe area, into peer leadership and advocacy
should be done for the young due to limited or no access to also extends its support to the on the KZN south coast, lifting positions. It further supports our
girls in these communities. menstrual hygiene products, participating community teams by the trophy. The day also saw the commitment to the United Nations
which gives girls unequal access providing essential resources such facilitators from loveLife engaging Sustainability Development Goals
In the words of the late Nelson
Mandela: “Sport has the power to to education, taking away their as netball poles, bibs, practice and in focus groups with the young (SDGs), in particular our support
change the world. It has the power for SDG5:Gender Equality”,
to inspire. It has the power to unite commented Mpho Lethoko,
Head of Corporate Affairs, Sappi
people in a way that little else does. Southern Africa.
It speaks to youth in a language
they understand.” It is this belief At Sappi’s business units
that spurred Sappi to use the throughout the country, the
vehicle of sport as a developmental company has also encouraged its
programme in the rural and peri- staff to show their support for the
urban areas where it operates and South African women’s teams that
where opportunities and economic participated in the Netball and
activities are often limited. Soccer World Cups, by wearing
their green and gold attire on
Giving girls more opportunity #EmpowerHer Fridays during
for sports participation builds self-
esteem, courage and character. Women’s Month. 
As this self-belief increases, so
does the likelihood of becoming W: www.sappi.com

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