ONGWEDIVA – The Society for Women’s Empowerment organisation has made it its mission to assist and educate disadvantaged women in Kavango East.
Established in 2016, they have thus far implemented various programmes in Katima Mulilo, Oshikango and Otjiwarongo.
The society’s consultant, Risto Mushongo, said their empowerment programme has over 2 000 members so far from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“As an organisation, we aim to achieve an economically-independent community. For this reason, we strive to create employment for vulnerable women in all communities to enhance financial independence,” she added. Mushongo said statistics have shown that a lot of women are engaging in sex work, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds. Therefore, they target these women, provide them with education, and refer them to services such as HIV/AIDS testing and the importance of PREP and taking ARVs.
“We practice these activities because we want to raise awareness as well as educate the community on their health and rights. We offer skills training on things such as crocheting, drawing up business plans and writing proposals, as well as how to sell their business products,” she noted.
Mushongo further said they encourage the women to start their own income-generating projects. So far, the group in Katima Mulilo has come up with a carwash idea and poultry farming.
In Rundu, the group has established a poultry farm.
“We want them to become important pillars in society, not just being in the kitchen, but adding economic value and development in society,” continued Mushongo.
Speaking of the future, she said they want to ensure that women are given more opportunities to take up higher positions in society so that they can uplift themselves and those around them.
“Our office is open to anyone who wants to give any training, or would love us to give any training to the youth. Everyone is more than welcome,” said Mushongo.
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