On August 9th 2022, Women's Day,  Wire Woman the statue presided over the first ever Circle of Care held on the steps and piazza of Artscape, the focus of their Women's Humanity Arts Festival..
it took the place this year of the Women's Humanity Walk - and, aside from Woman Zone's 10th birthday celebrations, there was much to reflect on. Not least all those who have been victims of Gender Based Violence, but also those lives that have been lost as a result of the COVID pandemic. But the morning was shared with love amongst many.

.With African Dream singer Vicky Sampson as MC, Marlene le Roux as her inimitable self giving everyone their chance to be seen and heard, it was a moving morning. There was marimba music by Women Unite, singing by the Rosa Choir, blessings by women leaders from different faith groups, a two woman production of Yekabani le Panty, handing out of miniature spekboom plants, guided breathing and meditation, performance poetry by Blaq Pearl and Bulelwa Basse, the  planting of a spekboom tree symbolising clean air, care and peace - and much shared singing. Everyone was also invited to sign their name and message about loved ones lost on a banner of care. It was a special morning - of unity, love and kindness. As Marlene le Roux says, 'the ethics of care.' We look forward to seeing you there next year. 

WOMEN OF SOIL - changing lives the book celebrating 10 years of Woman Zone and 20 years of Soil for Life, was finally launched, with a lively and loving reception at Artscape. The 10 women Home Food Gardeners whose stories feature in the book all came, as well as Cindy Buske, Sandi Fortuin and Livingstone Muswere, CEO,  programme coordinator and trainer respectively of Soil for Life. Artscape CEO, Marlene le Roux, who also wrote the foreword for the book, spoke as well as Celeste  Matthews Wannenburgh, chair of the WZ Board. It was very special and we are grateful to all who attended, and to all who bought the book, May you too grow and flourish.  

Poet and storyteller Philippa Kabali-Kagwa called everyone with a song and a poem and Celeste opened hearts with her moving speech about women. and their challenges. 

Looking wonderful in their traditional outfits, the Home Food Gardeners all stood for a photocall, each next to a poster of her as she appears in the book, with a quote in her own words. They are, top row from left to right: Nomathemba Bakubaku, Nombulelo Mgogo, Natasha de Leeuw. Middle row from left: Piennie Johnson, Nokwekkwezi Sitole, Ebba Dazela. Next row: Farida Ryklief, Nasheema Ismail, Livingstone Muswere (for Nomvusi Botha who was at her husbands funeral. Bottom: Fareda Abrahams. 

 Our grateful thanks to Lorraine de Villiers and Kyle Richards from Opechee Design for producing the beautiful end product, as well as to the printers Onyx Press. Most special thanks for their kind sponsorship to PPECB (Perishable Products Export Control Board) and Riegel Organic Wine as well as to supporters Deb Naughton, Miriam & Heather Schiff, Dr Nadia Kamies and Nikki Crowser. Blessings. 

And in front of Wire Woman, dressed in honour of the Home Food Gardening team and carrying a board that says 'Do what you can with what you have' - we say Womandla! It's amazing what you can do with a network of women. 
To buy a copy of Women of Soil - changing lives, contact us on info@womanzonect.co.za.
To listen to the womens testimonies, check our podcast: Women Zone Stories: the gardeners speak https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ArxWD10Qnl4yETATIfHzU