In recognition of her dedicated community work and tireless fight against gender-based violence (GBV), Phoenix’s own Nadia Munsamy has been selected to attend the fifth World Conference of Women’s Shelters (5WCWS). The prestigious international event is scheduled to take place in Sydney, Australia, from 15 to 18 September.
Munsamy, who serves as the PRO for the Phoenix Child Welfare and is the Centre Manager for the Sahara Shelter for Abused Women and Children, an affiliate of the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA), expressed her disbelief upon receiving the news. “I was in absolute disbelief. I had to read the confirmation email twice. I just couldn’t understand how I was selected. I owe my thanks to God,” she stated.
Munsamy revealed that her chosen topic for the conference – ‘Empowering Change: sustainable resourcing, innovation, and the specific challenges of addressing gender-based violence in remote, regional, and high-risk areas in South Africa’ – was directly inspired by her extensive work in the field. She elaborated, “I was inspired to work in the field of social services after witnessing domestic violence in the community and seeing how vulnerable families often lack support systems. Through training and direct experience at Sahara Shelter, I discovered the profound resilience of survivors and realised this work involves both immediate crisis intervention and long-term empowerment. The combination of providing direct service during people’s darkest moments while also advocating for systemic change can literally save lives and help families rebuild makes this field deeply meaningful despite its daily challenges.”
Looking ahead to the conference, Munsamy shared her aspirations: “I hope to network with key role players, stakeholders and other shelter advocates. There are other countries who have methods which can help us improve how we run our shelters. Also, I aim to gather new ideas of fundraising.”
The primary objective of the 5WCWS is to provide a crucial platform for learning and sharing experiences. This international exchange aims to contribute to a worldwide systemic approach to ending violence against women and their children, ultimately increasing the safety, independence, and strength of women globally.
To support Nadia Munsamy’s trip to the conference through donations or contributions, you can contact her on 061 282 4254 or 065 912 0749.
