- Women’s Caucus Conducts Oversight Visits: The Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature’s Women’s Caucus visited various municipalities to assess initiatives supporting women’s empowerment and addressing gender-based violence (GBV).
- Urgent Need for Support and Resources: The Women’s Caucus emphasized the necessity of improved safety, infrastructure, and ongoing funding to sustain centres like Bhekizizwe and protect vulnerable women and girls.
- Highlighting Women-Led Economic Projects: One of the sites visited was the Nolandumbila Commercial Project, led by a young woman, exemplifying progress in women-led economic development and employment for young females.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature’s Women’s Caucus continued its Public Participation Week with oversight visits across municipalities to evaluate local initiatives supporting women’s empowerment and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
Led by Chairperson Hon. Maqubela, one of the key delegations visited Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, while seven more teams were deployed across districts and metros in the province.
Among the sites visited was the Nolandumbila Commercial Project in Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality. The project is spearheaded by a young woman and employs mostly young females, exemplifying local progress in women-led economic development.
However, more pressing challenges emerged during the visit to the Bhekizizwe White Door Centre in Mbizana, which provides refuge and counselling for victims of abuse. The center flagged alarming issues, including:
- Witchcraft-related killings targeting elderly women;
- Forced marriages, rape, and abductions affecting young girls;
- Lack of secure facilities and sustainable funding for operations.
“It is heartbreaking to hear that girls are still being abducted and that elderly women are killed over witchcraft accusations. We must strengthen our collective response,” said Hon. Maqubela.
The Women’s Caucus delegation urged for stronger intergovernmental cooperation, including closer coordination between municipalities, SAPS, and traditional leaders, to combat GBV and dismantle harmful cultural practices.
While commending the efforts of the Bhekizizwe Centre, the delegation emphasised the urgent need for improved safety, infrastructure, and long-term funding to ensure the protection and empowerment of women and girls in vulnerable communities.
“Without proper support, centres like Bhekizizwe cannot continue to be the lifeline they are meant to be,” the Women’s Caucus stated.
As the week-long programme continues, the Women’s Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that public participation leads to real, on-the-ground impact for women across the province.
