When the MereAF Women’s Forum gathered women and girls for its Women’s Day celebration on Sunday, 23 August, it was about far more than a day of celebration. It was about recognising women’s strength, creating real opportunities and building a sisterhood that continues long after Women’s Month ends.
The vibrant gathering brought women together for a day of motivation, laughter and recognition, while reflecting on the important role they play in their families and communities.
But beneath the celebration was a message that resonated throughout the event: true empowerment is measured not by the flowers, photographs and speeches of one day, but by what happens in the 364 days that follow.
MAF Women’s Forum chairperson Premilla Deonath challenged women to carry that spirit forward.
“Being celebrated for one day is wonderful. But being valued, respected, supported and empowered for the other 364 days — that is what truly matters,” she said.
And the forum put those words into action with a major commitment to practical empowerment.
Deonath, together with Sharin Rajman and Allison, announced that they will jointly sponsor 20 women from the community to complete fully accredited First Aid, Disaster Management and Self-Defence training.
The initiative, valued at more than R5 000 per participant, represents an investment of over R100 000 in local women. Their graduation costs, including gowns, caps and certificates, will also be fully sponsored.
“This is about more than a function. It’s about giving women real skills that save lives and build confidence. Allison, Sharin and I believe that when you empower one woman, you empower a home, and when you empower 20, you empower a community,” said Deonath.
The celebration also shone a light on women who have already made a difference through their strength and service to the community.
Roshni Naicker, Anne Veerabudary and Lynette Chetty were recognised through the Merebank Woman of Substance Award, with Chetty receiving the main honour.
Chetty received R1 000 to donate to a charity of her choice, along with spa vouchers for two people. The award was sponsored by the Rajaruthnam family in memory of their late mother, Vijie Rajaruthnam.
Deonath also called on women to strengthen the bonds between them by sharing opportunities, mentoring one another and offering support when it is needed most.
“When the decorations come down, let our determination remain. When the music stops, let our voices continue. When the flowers wither, let our purpose bloom,” she said.
For the women of Merebank, the message from the celebration was clear: Women’s Day should not end when the applause does.
It should live on through women supporting women, sharing skills, opening doors and creating opportunities — because when women rise, the families and communities around them rise too.
