Start of HPSA’S new women’s programma GrowStronger!
On Thursday, 21st September, 2017, HPSA launched their new women’s upliftment programme called GrowStronger! at our Health Information Centre in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. 14 very enthusiastic ladies (see above) attended this first session, led by Senior Health Promoters Xoliswa Mhobo and Vuyelwa Mgidi.
The women come from some of the poorest, most vulnerable areas of the greater Cape Town area, such as Khayelitsha, Macassar, Mfuleni and Mitchel’s Plain, to name a few. We will report on their experience as time goes on.
GrowStronger! is designed to help women learn more about themselves, to value themselves more and to look after themselves , their families and friends better. There are 10 sessions, one per week, which gives time to share and support each other. There is also time to learn new skills, such as managing anger, preventing and dealing with abuse, problem-solving, and respect for themselves and others. South Africa’s vulnerable women experience some of the highest numbers of rape and other forms of abuse in the world. They are also, along with their children, the poorest in South Africa. HPSA aims with GrowStronger! , and with our Basic Health Education programme (the women complete this first), to offer support and help to these vulnerable women, so giving them and their families the chance of a healthier and better future.
Mrs Elaine Harcombe, HPSA Programme Development Director