GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Young women aged fourteen to twenty recently attended an awareness programme hosted by Graaff-Reinet Victim Support Center.
Government departments, stakeholders, councillor Anella Mnuni, SAPS and the Department of Health and Social Development also attended the event.
The programme was the result of concerned parents complaining that their teenage daughters are sexually active with older men. Gloria Jaftha explained that the center supports abused women and help them get back their self-respect and dignity.
The event was opened with prayer by Michelle Pietersen of the center while Sister Elizabeth Matthews from the Department of Health shared her challenges and experiences with teenage pregnancies.
Sedonia van Wyk of Siyaphambili Shelter for Abused Women encouraged the young women to be strong and to believe in themselves. Van Wyk said God intended that they be beautiful and healthy.
Councillor Anella Mnuni shared her life history with the women. She grew up without biological parents and explained the difficulties she experienced as a young woman. Today she only wants her children to experience the best in life. She encouraged the girls to strive towards a better life and to never give up on themselves.
She also showed them what a difference a bit of make-up could make.
Mnuni said women should remember that respect starts with themselves, and if they have respect for themselves, others would also respect them.
The young women who attended each received a crown.
Yolanda Simons shows off her crown.
Councillor Anella Mnuni putting make-up on one of the girls, Jaemodine Mbotya.
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