 On a fine sunny Saturday morning, March 7 (the day before International Women's Day), over 20 of us met to do Woman Zone's CIRCLE IN THE CITY women's walk n talk route.  Starting point was the one and only Charly's Bakery - and joining us was Romaney Pinnock of the Desmond and Leah Legacy Foundation....
 Present day heartbreak to see evidence of the removed remaining refugees outside the District Six museum.
 ....which some of us were completely unable to resist! A wonderful walk in which the voices of women past and present were heard, loud and clear. To book a walk or find out about the next one coming up, email us on info@womanzonect.co.za or check our facebook page. See you there! Nancy and Theresa xx
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 Then we took to the streets - Washington St in particular, where we found Guga S'thebe.....
 We met and talked to some of the artist, like Lonwabo Vimbi who works a lot with textiles and the subject of women.....
 ....to Gogo's house, where she and her neighbour had prepared a feast for us, and strewn the floor with leaves like an olive branch.....
 ....and of sisterhood.
 Thank you Gogo. You made us feel.....  ....so very much at home! Till next time. From us all at Woman Zone, blessings.  The WOMAN ZONE January Summit and AGM 2020. January 18 2020 Present: Nancy Richards, Daphne Cooper, Theresa Smith, Nomfundo Macuphe, Beryl Eichenberger, Nina Geraghty, Gogo Gala, Avis Fisher, Shuli Heller, Celeste Matthews-Wanneburgh, Pam Evans, Christine Weir, Margi Biggs, Joanne Friedlander, Ruth Friedman, Nozuko, Xola, Alutha Taho, Simone Heradien (Artscape), Kubeshni Govender, Roxy Levy, Marva Basson-Dhilwayo, Catherine Burnet |
 From left: Nomfundo, Celeste and Nina share respectively. |  |  |
FINANCIALS Daphne presented the financial statements as prepared by Yolisa. They were approved.
A well earned tea break!
  |   WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2020 |
The feedback session was fruitful, with Kubeshni taking notes.
Story Café Ruth suggested voice memos – mother/daughter stories
Simone suggested productions/events. One event could come from Margi’s involvement with women wine-makers. Listen to their stories and taste wine as a possible fund-raiser.
Somehow getting men involved possibly with a Story Café in conjunction with, among others, Life Righting Collective.
Story Café on sexism and ageism and other isms.
Theresa suggested a workshop on how to do a Vox Pop? And how could we get an idea of what it is like to be a woman in CT
5.2 Books and Library
Library must be open at stipulated times, and consider extending times. Are the current times the best times? Marva proposed opening also on Saturdays.
She also suggested the WZ Book Club get extended in terms of diversity – more working-class people to be heard. Proposed Rehana Rousseau as a guest author – amongst others. Some men could also be included, like Athol Williams (poet and founder of the Cape Flats Book Fest to which WZ has been invited this year), with certain sensitivities being respected.
She asked do we still want to use the old, male-founded Dewey system? How do we de- and re-classify? We also need to be mindful of the tools that we give to people. The library has already developed a more progressive system.
5.3 Walks
Walks planned
15 Feb – Walk and storysharing in Langa – TBC with Gogo. Asanda to be invited to contribute, with interest in this area.
7 March – Circle in the City
6 June – Female Fragments
9 August – Women’s Humanity Walk – proposed starting from Tutu Museum (formerly granary and women’s house of correction)
October – Walk Malmesbury with The Mama Project
Other walks in the making: To the Wash houses, Women in ‘Paradise’, Newlands
5.4 Sistering
Who should we focus on – start small with what we have. Celeste suggested groups of ten to start with. Mothers and grandmothers – honouring previous generations and understanding. Single mothers could be helped if we provide child-care. How do we spread the news? Not everyone on social media but word of mouth powerful. Linking by bringing people to us and going out to others. Join with links that we already have like The Mama Project. Access money from NAC for transport. Would need to source “specialists” for special focus groups and to run pilot projects. Margi suggested connecting with Women for Africa.
Suggestion that we have ‘branches’ elsewhere, most pressing in the rural areas. We have a template for women wanting to start a WZ branch. Pilot project possibly in Malmesbury.
Alutha closes the session with a song.
Nancy summarised that this had been a meeting rich in ideas, and reminded us that implementation is what counts. To get involved in whatever way, contact: info@womanzonect.co.za, check our wwebsite: www.womanzonect.com or facebook Woman Zone CT, Instagram: @womanzonect or @wzbookclub 083 431 9986 / 082 490 6652
Although many had left by the time we took this pic, we would just like to thank everyone who came and shared their time, energy, thoughts and ideas. Look forward to making it all happen. IF YOU WOULD LIKE ANY MORE INFO, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH info@womanzonect.co.za
I walked with the most inspiring young woman yesterday who in the space of twenty minutes blew me away with her story. I know 'inspiring' is an overworked word, but the fact that she was smiling with an inner peace after all she has been through in her short twenty three years, I found amazing and humbling as well as inspiring. A story of resistance. She was one of just over 200 young women from The Chrysalis Academy who walked along the promenade from Mouille Point to Sea Point to raise their voices against gender based violence. They sang, they held hands, they carried their banners high, stuck message flags in their hair - and they made a powerful statement that undoubtedly impacted all the dogwalkers, runners, pushchairs and leisure crowd out for a Saturday morning stroll.
They were led by two other inspiring women - Lucille Meyer, CEO of The Chrysalis Academy and Marlene le Roux, CEO of Artscape - and in conjunction with WoW - Western Cape on Wellness, they were fighting fit and ready to get the word out there.
 Although the reason for their walk was sombre and sobering, the young women were upbeat and strong. Some of them walking in this privileged part of Cape Town for the first time. |  |
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As much as the walk itself and the motivation behind it, what also impressed me was hearing about the course the girls (or women rather aged 18 to 25) are undergoing at the Academy. From 'vulnerable' communities all over the Western Cape, from Oudtshoorn to Stellenbosch, to the Cape Flats and townships, they have been recruited to do an intense three month personal training programme that takes them through orientation and self-esteem building, a range of skills - firefighting, welding, cookery, youth development and environmental awareness, leadership and the value of volunteering. Bonding and interpersonal skills are clearly integral.
 A graduate from the course herself, Linnique Myburgh gave insight into the input and outcomes of the course. |  While cell phones are notably absent for the duration of the course, Lucille Meyer was not about to let this moment pass without recording it. |
 Whichever way you look at it, this course and these girls are hope for the future.... |  .....a future of peace and inner strength. |
At the end of the walk, time to gather together for a quick pic to mark the occasion - joined by the feisty Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies who know all about the value of putting one foo in front of the other. So thanks for the walk and huge congratulations to all the team and young women at The Chrysalis Academy. And especially love to my young friend and fellow walker who has found perhaps more than she hoped for during this course. I wish her well - and look forward to seeing her on the journey.
And now for some well-earned rest! Best wishes, Nancy. Find out more about The Chrysalis Academy and their programmes on https://chrysalisacademy.org.za/3-month-programme/
This is the woman who started it all....PHILOMENE LUYINDELA, French teacher, translator and author of....
'Widening of the Womb and Other Stories', which gave rise to our Story Cafe discussion on FAITH & FEMINISM with the panel.....
 DR MIRANDA PILLAY of SAFFI, the South African Faith and Family Institute's Theological Advisory Council on Gender Based Violence |  REV BERRY BEHR chair of the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative and SA coordinator for the Charter for Compassion |  MOONIQ SHAIKJEE lecturer and researcher in the Linguistics Dept at UWC with interest in intersection between language, gender, sexuality and faith |  and of course Philomene herself who opened by suggesting that during this session we do not refer to God as 'he', and lit a candle. |
 Both panel..... |  ...and audience were intent. |
 Thoughts...  ....some light moments.... |  ...deep moments.... |  ....issues.... |  ...reflections, |
 ...and some interest and input from men. |  |
 ...questions.... |  ...statements... |  ....and feelings. |
And here are just some of the thoughts shared:
FAITH is inseparable from community.....is an evolving situation....is my connection to other people......a belief that there is something good. RELIGION is a man-made system, an issue of interpretation of texts...if God is male then male is God....it's time to rewrite texts FEMINISM is calling back the pieces of our souls that have been scattered.....is focusing on people who have been oppressed.....between Faith and Feminism there is suspicion on both sides.....like black people, as women we have not recorded our stories. And on GENDER BASED VIOLENCE...we need .to retell our stories...faith institutions need to hand the mic to those who don't usually get to speak. 16 Days of Activism needs to be 365 Days.
We are prisoners of the thinking of the times. We need new stories.
Much more was said, much more is to be said. But for now a big thank you to the panel for their informed wisdom and to all who came to listen, for their thoughts and questions. Till next time. October 26 2019 WOMAN ZONE
Images: Theresa Smith Words: Nancy Richards
Sisters Incorporated celebrates 60 years of care and survival......
.....with one very beautiful book, called 'Survivors'.
But what is Sisters? And who do they care for? Simply put, 'Sisters' is a beacon of hope in a community ravaged by domestic violence and abuse. They provide care, lodging, counseling and skills to those who need it most - which includes every woman, teenager and child in crisis and in need of healing physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Sisters Incorporated was born back in 1959 when a group of women, each of whom cared very deeply about the plight of other women in trouble, got together to see how they could make a difference. Six decades later they continue to make a difference - helping many hundreds, if not thousands of women survive and thrive. But their own journey is one of survival too - due largely to the teams of caring, dedicated women that have and continue to make it happen.
Sisters Incorporated was born back in 1959 when a group of women, each of whom cared very deeply about the plight of other women in trouble, got together to see how they could make a difference. Six decades later they continue to make a difference - helping many hundreds, if not thousands of women survive and thrive. But their own journey is one of survival too - due largely to the teams of caring, dedicated women that have and continue to make it happen.
And on August 24th 2019, a group of key women came together at Artscape to celebrate both their suvrival and their book.
Most important among them was Lyn Veldhuizen. Back in 1959, together with Sue Henderson, Lynn formally co-founded Sisters Incorporated - and tirelessly continues to consult and support them today.
 |  Lynn shared the back story to the origins of 'Sisters' with Nancy Richards of Woman Zone - it was a story that grew in depth, width and richness as all the panel members shared their roles and memories. |
With especially rich memories and the fine-tuned perspective that comes with many years experience in the field of social care was Chair of the Sisters Board, Dr Amelia Jones.
 |  And then the amazing team that produced 'Survivors' the commemorative book: Lorraine de Villiers of Opechee Design Studios (left), Board member who came up with the idea of the book then went ahead to compile content design and produce it. And Dulcie Kirby, busy music teacher who committed to writing the story - researching, not just the history but to conducting a wealth of interviews of staff and survivors. past and present. Written through the voice of a fictional 'survivor', the book is a read to make you cry, smile and cheer at the sheer bravery of sixty years worth of amazing women. |
As the current Manager of 'Sisters' at the old, but warm and welcoming house in Kenilworth, Delene Roberts has been described as a diamond. And the many facets she displays on a daily basis certainly makes her reputation glitter. While she has her own brand of leadership, she stands on the shoulders of a number of strong and caring managers before her - many of whom you can read about in the book.
 |  But no amount of care can help a broken woman if she doesn't care for herself - and Henrietta, a former resident at 'Sisters' gave a testimony that whilst bringing tears to the eyes of the panel and the audience, was filled with hope and inspiration. It is both powerful and empowering for a woman to have her story heard - and over the years, 'Sisters' have been there to listen. |
In so many ways 'Sisters' has been wonderfully creative - in their actions and pro-activity, in the resourcefulness and fund raising - and now also in their skills room.....
 These are just a few examples of the lively and colourful creations and jewellery the women produce - uplifting not just those who buy, but themselves - raising confidence and spirits. |  |
Woman Zone (for whom Lorraine also designed a beautiful book) salutes Delene (centre) and her dedicated 'Sisters' team - wishing them all strength and energy to continue for many years and decades ahead - as long as there is a need.
And to the visionary team who inspire and share from the bottom of their hearts - on behalf of all sisters-in-need that have or will one day benefit from 'Sisters' love and care, Thank You!
You can read much, much more about the story of Sisters Incorporated in the book 'Survivors'. To find out how to get a copy, how to support or volunteer, check their website www.sisters.org.za, email them on admin@sisters.org.za or call 021 797 4190.
Photographs: Theresa Smith Event co-ordination: Beryl Eichenberger both of Woman Zone
Photographs: Theresa Smith Event co-ordination: Beryl Eichenberger both of Woman Zone
The day the women of Clickatell got to share their stuff!
It was a crisp, winter morning in August and Woman Zone was proud to be invited to come and share their story with sistahs at Clickatell. Clickawho? we wondered. Well turns out this lively outfit is a B2B mobile technology company that enables startups, small-to-medium businesses and enterprises to better manage their 'chat'. Peter de Villiers opened proceedings with stories of the women in his life......and then.....
....we got to chat!
 After a presentation on the Woman Zone story, things got close up and personal..... |  |
 There was lots of face to face sharing.... |  ....and some powerful personal testimony..... |
 .....as well as a great deal of hugging! |  |
Finally there was an opportunity for some sweet talk with specially made motto cookies for everyone. All in all we had a great morning sharing and investing in all the Clickatell values: Curious, Collaborative, Champion, Courageous and enormously Creative. Thank you ClLICKATELL, with love from WOMAN ZONE!
The Women's Humanity Walk, a highlight of the Artscape Women's Humanity Arts Festival started this year at one of Cape Town's most iconic buildings - The Castle of Good Hope....
 |  It opened with speeches and blessings...... |  .....and stories.... |
.....good humour, thoughtfulness, mindfulness and spirituality from the leaders of different faiths, brought to us by SAFFI, the SA Faith and Family Institute.
Reminding the walkers of where women are still at in these troubled times, Marlene le Roux, CEO of Artscape took her place above the statue row of kings and leaders......
 |  Chaeli Mycrof (left) of the Chaeli Campaign was there supporting the theme 'Empowering Persons with Disabilities' And The Mama Project was there (above) proud to be taking part in the walk for the first time.... |
....and there was just time for some memory pics before we hit the streets....
....where the early bird Marshalls had been strategically placed to keep everyone on track.....
  |  ......and the banners told the story...... |  |
....while wheelchairs rolled out the message.
 ....and we all walked.....  |  ....guys and girls, mamas and sistahs, young and old.... |
...even Mother Goose came too....
....till we finally arrived.....
 Thanks to the marshalls and the banner bearers (above)...... to the welcoming musicians (right)....to MC Hadley and sign interpreter Lesego (below) (right).....  |  |
....and great big thanks to Marlene for opening up the doors of Artscape to us all!
Viva Artscape viva. Viva Marlene viva. Viva Woman Zone viva! See you all next year.
.....UMFANEKISO WOMAMA OQINQWE NGOCINGO.....EK IS DRAADVROU!
Hi, Molo, Hallo! My 'birth mothers' were Sue Kramer (above) and Lovell Friedman (below. They designed me in 2016 and I was built by a team of wonderful wire workers at Street Wires.
But I was conceived by a whole group of women to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Women's March on August 9 1956 when 20,000 women walked to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest the Pass Laws and demand peace, justice and freedom. Here are just some them welcoming me to Artscape.
Because there are only two other statues of women in Cape Town (eish!), I was created to represent ALL women in the Mother City, past, living and those yet to be born. So it was important that I should look good and be well dressed.
I was 'launched' so to speak, at Artscape's annual Women's Humanity Arts Festival. My new family at Woman Zone had been given many metres of shweshwe fabric by Da Gama Textiles to decorate the truck that would be leading their Women's Humanity Walk - they had quite a bit left over, so they were able to give me a shawl and a doek.....
....but my real 'clothes' were going to be labels written by the women of Cape Town with the names of their women heros, role models, loved family members or just friends.
Marlene le Roux, my 'godmother' and CEO of Artscape was one of the first to write a name and attach it to my skirt....
After that a rush of women (and a few men) came to add their name labels, at the launch, throughout the Festival and beyond.
Here I am with my proud birth mothers and godmother. Thank you lovely ladies for bringing me into being, and to all the 'doulas' who helped.
After that I was brought up and proudly displayed in the Artscape foyer, my labelled. layered skirt, fluttering in the wind.
Of course, being a woman, it wasn't long before I needed a new outfit.
And just in time for summer, I was transformed into Mother Earth by Annie Bisset!
Then, yup, you guessed, once my 'dressers' saw that I responded well to new outfits, they gave me another one - and here I am a few months later as Woman of Words! Covered in proof pages from books supplied by Modjaji, publisher of women's titles.
....and then, true as Bob, Annie's at it again........
So here I am as a very smart lady from the Bo-Kaap - and please note my fancy silver slippers from Artscape's wardrobe department!
And no, this is not my dancing partner, this is me being moved to the stairwell on the way to the Chandelier Foyer!
Next came Christmas and here I am as Joy, to the world.
And though I say it myself, I looked rather good at night as well!
But then my team got busy again! This time Willemien de Villiers joined Annie....and I went seriously colourful....
...turned into the kaleidoscopic Khayelitsha yoyo queen, using yoyos made by The Everywoman Project (but that's another Woman Zone story).
But you know what they say about change - compulsive and inevitable.....and here I am as Mama Afrique.....
....and visitors from home and abroad just love to have their picture taken with me. Sadly I can't do selfies.
Until, reduced down to my undergarments, I took a short break.....
....while my dressers Annie and Nancy took a visit to Artscape's incredible wardrobe department overseen by Fritz Feinauer. And look what they found.....
So here I am transforming back in time, into no less an historical figure than.....
Krotoa herself! Otherwise known by her colonial employers, the van Riebeeck Family, as Eva.
And just in case you dont know my story as Krotoa.....here it is, in an extract from a book called 'Like Family' by Ena Jansen. This certainly wont be my last incarnation as one of the many women of Cape Town, so if you have any ideas on who else I could be, or you would like to help with future outfits, do get in touch on info@womanzonect.co.za. Much love, WIRE WOMAN xx
Coolest choice of venue for the WOMAN ZONE year-end lunch was 4ROOMED eKASI CULTURE in Khayelitsha - chez Abigail!
So, meet Abigail Mbalo - mostest hostess who welcomed us with warmth, joy and the widest smile into her eKasi Cultural kitchen.....
The food is classy...glazed pap with microherbs a favourite.....
.....and appetites were hearty - with calls for more!
And the visuals, irresistible!
....fresh and flourishing.....
....with service to match......
There were intros and welcomes...
And Abigail shared her self-determined story from dental technician in the suburbs to creative restaurant royalty in the township - and uber inspiration....
She sure had our attention.....
Maria followed with her story of domestic worker to guest house owner....
Followed by activist Pharie with her's of founding Lulibo an organisation to uplift young women in Nyanga....
Storytellers Nolu, Philippa and Gilly told us a bit about their own stories.....
....some of us took the opportunity for a nap.....
...while the busy kitchen was busy preparing for the next arrivals.....
....and finally time for us to say hambani kahle.....
......and smiling Talent the driver kindly came to take us all home in a smart MLT Corp bus.....a treat!
With special thanks, a warm hug and a Woman Zone YoYO badge to the divine Miss Abigail....until we meet again. A five star visit to: www.4roomedekasiculture.com with five star transport with www.mltcorp.co.za
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