In celebration of Women’s Month, the co-founder of the Phoenix Survival Centre (PSC), Caroline Govender, was recently praised for her impact within the Phoenix community.
The Phoenix Survival Centre, established in 2012, is a registered NPO and a home for abused, abandoned, and destitute women. Govender said her role is not just about providing a safe space for women to heal; it’s about empowering them to take control of their lives, rebuild their self-esteem, and become confident, independent and self-assured. The centre’s programmes provide holistic support to elderly survivors of abuse, focusing on life skills, skills development and wellness through gardening, exercise, team building and educational talks.
“Women’s Month is a celebration of the strength, resilience and determination of women everywhere, irrespective of their nationality, religion, culture, background or circumstances. It’s about acknowledging the contribution women make to their families, communities, and society as a whole. Women’s day is a reminder of the progress we have made towards gender equality, but also a call to action to continue working towards a world where every woman can live with dignity, respect, equality, and safety. It’s a celebration of women’s achievements and a reminder that we have a role to play in creating a more just and equitable world.”
Govender said that as a dedicated community activist, she has had the privilege of providing various services to those in need. She added that one of her passions was offering free counselling services to the community, focusing on crisis intervention, domestic violence, trauma, substance abuse, and marriage counselling. “In addition to my counselling work, we are passionate about serving our community in multiple ways. Not only do we run a soup kitchen, preparing fresh soup, but we also prepare and distribute food parcels filled with fresh perishable items to those in need. Our goal is to provide essential support and nourishment to our community, thus making a positive impact.”
Speaking on what inspired her journey to begin the PSC, she said: “Growing up in poverty, I experienced a level of hardship that few can understand. I grew up with extremely humble beginnings, struggling to make it and faced challenges that seemed insurmountable. I didn’t have the privilege of being born with a silver spoon in my mouth, and if that wasn’t enough, I also endured abuse that left its own scars and struggles. But it’s precisely that journey with all the trials and tribulations that has given me a unique perspective and understanding of the struggles thousands of women face. It’s the empathy, born out of my own experiences, that drives me to work with women who are facing similar challenges.”
Govender said South Africa should address the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) that plagues our communities and nation. “The prevalence of GBV and the inadequate response to it are stark reminders that we need to overhaul our system to ensure that it truly serves and protects women. We need to hold our institutions accountable and work towards creating a justice system that is fair, responsive and effective in addressing the needs of women.”
“To the incredible women of our community, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the immense value and the strength each of you bring. Your contributions, your love and your dedication are the fabrics that hold our families and communities together. This Women’s Month, I want to remind you that you are worthy of love, respect and celebration. You deserve to be seen, heard and valued.”
