The City's Library and Information Services (LIS), a directorate of the Community Dev​elopment d​epartment, hosted a motivational session for local women at the Weltevreden Park Community Library in honour of Women's Month. The programme was held on Wednesday, 19 August 2026 and aimed at empowering women with skills including wellness, mental health, personal growth and general well-being as they navigate everyday life and its challenges.

Thembani Rasmeni, Wellness expert and founder of the Dream Again NPC, who delivered the session, shared her expertise about Women's health, wellness, fitness and personal empowerment.

Women also shared their own experiences and received various advice on their respective questions.

As the City continues to celebrate Women's Month, it highlights the important role played by women in the country. It notes that women are not just the givers of life and nurturers of families. The month is celebrated as a tribute to the women of 1956. Women who braved the brutal apartheid system to march to the Union Buildings on that August 9 day 70 years ago to protest against the pass laws.

These women were a symbol of courage that earned them a place in South Africa's political history. The City recognises this through its various departments and directorates as they continue to host programmes and events to honour the role women still play to date.

Member of the Mayoral Council (MMC) for Community Development, Cllr Thapelo Amad, commended the programme for highlighting the burning issues that women are challenged with.

“In 1956, our women marched against the then political dispensation. Today, women continue to face the new age challenges. As the City, we recognise the important role our women continue to play, beyond politics. As the women gather to discuss these issues, we hope to see them empowered to be able to have the ripple effect as they take the skills back to their families and communities at large," he said.

“When you empower a woman, you empower a nation. Because women take whatever they are empowered with and plough it back to their communities. We appreciate and honour the gesture and applaud our hosts and presenter for this important session. We pledge unwavering support to all the women, beyond this Women's Month."

The programme ended with an interactive question and answer session as well as refreshments, and guests were grateful for an opportunity to learn to embrace their roles as nurturers.

Written by Maseipati Tsotsotso
20/08/2026

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