Women are empowered on a daily basis with motivational and educational messages but that just isn’t enough, therefore three months before the world celebrates National Women’s Day on 9 August, the brainchild of Sinika Uthando launched Project Bambalela which offers abused women a lifeline to become economically stable for themselves and children.
The director of the organisation, Jennifer Chetty, has been in the spotlight for various programmes which has afforded the youth opportunities, however the new Project Bambalela, which means ‘hold-on’, saw queues of people at her facility, which bears testament to the shocking amount of abuse cases that leave women helpless with no one to turn to.
Formerly from Chatsworth and currently residing in Queensburgh, Chetty has been at the forefront of the gender-based violence war for over a decade and realised that there is a link between women experiencing violence and low income earnings.
Research has shown that as a result of gender discrimination and lower socio-economic statuses, women have fewer options and resources at their disposal to avoid or escape abusive situations and seek justice.
Although the organisation boasts a temporary safe house for GBV survivors, the reality is that victims need a way forward thereafter. Thus far, 350 survivors have secured full-time employment for 12 months, focusing on developing and sustaining their own small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME). Phase two, which is expected to roll out in November, will see another 250 people, with 90 percent of them being women, become economically independent.
Chetty said: “I grew up in the heart of Chatsworth in a loving family where I idolised my dad and wanted to be a strong woman like my mum who both gave us a strong foundation to live. I was just 19-years-old when I joined the South African Police Service and was involved in active policing, management and community development early in my career. I was blessed with great commanders and mentors during my 23-year service in the SAPS. My journey contributed and prepared me with much of the tools I use today in my service to different communities.”
Chetty manages a safe house for GBV victims with up to 14 victims at a time and delivers several funded learnerships in different business sectors ranging from retail to the services sector. These include entry level employment training programmes with workplace exposure and management qualifications through multiple accreditations with various sector education and training authorities (SETA).
She also does the ‘Happy Tummy, Happy Minds’ project which is a daily school lunch programme feeding over 900 learners in local secondary and primary schools. Chetty offers counseling and mentorship which include provision of support, advice and career guidance for all learners, victims or any person in need.
Chetty said: “My message to all women is that in our journey towards strength and resilience, know that you are not alone. Together, you and I can create a world where every woman feels safe, valued, and empowered. As we confront the challenges of GBV, divorce, death, discrimination and abandonment, remember that your voice matters, your story is powerful, and your courage can inspire change in others. Our strength lies in our unity, and together, we will forge a path to a society where empowerment and equality are not just ideals, but our reality. With strength and solidarity we empower others.”
Chetty is passionate about assisting the community and finds her peace at the ocean as she is in awe of how God created nature. She also loves travelling, watching a good movie and experiencing new things with good friends. She met the late president, Nelson Mandela and was honoured with a community award from former president, Jacob Zuma. When asked what are some of the extreme cases she has dealt with, Chetty said that over the years, they have seen women that have been raped, sexually abused, abandoned by their families and scorned by their communities.
“Victims in our programme were being sexually assaulted on their way to our centre or on their way back home when using public transportation. Young ladies have been raped by family members or community members and have been cautioned against opening criminal charges for the sake of embarrassment to their families. Listening to victims share their life-changing experiences at Sinika for the first time since the incidents, I have also seen young men that have been abused and raped and had to lock those memories away for fear of being victimised by society,” Chetty concluded.
The organisation has been operational for 13 years and has proven to be relevant, resourceful and reliable to the community. Women including, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, nieces play a special role in society and should be acknowledged for their worth. With this, the staff and management of the Merebank and Chatsworth Tabloid take the opportunity in wishing all women a splendid Women’s Day.
