Al-Qalam 
By Azra Hoosen
When women from Welbedacht East asked the Muslim Youth Movement (MYM) to bring empowerment workshops to their area, MYM listened.
This year, the organisation brought its 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence programme to the Welbedacht Islamic Humanitarian Centre, where nearly 50 women gathered for a morning of learning, sharing and open conversations on gender-based violence.
The programme was hosted by the MYM Gender Desk, Chatsworth branch, which was launched last year in response to requests for more empowerment and upliftment initiatives. Since then, a small team of volunteers from across Chatsworth has been working to bring practical support to women facing the daily realities of GBV, unemployment and social instability.
Programme Director and MC, Aisha Metadad Ally, from the MYM Gender Desk, told Al-Qalam that the aim was to create a space where women felt a sense of solidarity and unity to foster Ubuntu, because we are all in this fight together. “I wanted them to feel safe, validated and empowered by the knowledge they would receive. Many women don’t know their rights or where to get help. We wanted them to leave here with clarity, confidence and the courage to ask questions without feeling judged,” she said.
The morning brought together three key institutions that women often struggle to access: the local clinic, the Department of Justice and Metro Police.
Sister Thandeka Shabangu from Gateway Clinic opened the panel with a practical breakdown of what victims should do when reporting GBV, rape or abuse at a clinic. She explained the importance of preserving evidence, the medical steps women can expect, and the support services available through the health system.
Her session was followed by Sihle Sodo from the Department of Justice, who explained the constitutional rights of survivors and the legal avenues available to them. Highlighting organisations in and around Chatsworth that assist women who feel unsafe, unsupported or uncertain of how to proceed.
A Metro Police representative concluded the panel with an explanation of what happens after a case is reported from investigations, to bail, to the scope of protection orders. For many attendees, it was the first time they were able to interact with these departments and ask questions directly to the authorities.
According to programme director Zubeda Ayoob, the engagement was filled with eagerness, attentiveness and anticipation. “This programme brought hope. It showed them that help does exist and that they have the right to it,” she said.
Zubeda noted that working with women in Chatsworth was an amazing experience. “Their positive mindset to make the world a better place, as well as their activism to report gender-based violence, is inspiring. The aim now is for this group to form a women’s group that can support each other, report GBV and initiate self-help programmes to promote self-reliance,” she said.
The second half of the programme shifted the focus to the women themselves. Participants broke into groups to identify the challenges they face and the support they hope to see going forward.
Aisha said this was one of the most impactful parts of the day: “There were a lot of older ladies at the event. Now they have the information and knowledge of what to do and what not to do if an issue arises.”
Unemployment came up repeatedly, with many asking for sewing, baking and knitting classes that could help them earn an income. Others emphasised the need for youth programmes, especially in a community affected by drug and alcohol abuse.
One of the outcomes of the programme was the establishment of a local gender group that will work with the MYM Gender Desk to continue raising awareness and driving community-led solutions.
“The knowledge they’ve gained must go back into their homes and communities. Empower yourself. Access help when you need it. Do not let the system discourage you. Your voice is powerful. Your safety matters,” advised Aisha.
With the community’s guidance, the MYM Gender Desk plans to expand its programmes, skills workshops and support initiatives in 2026.
