How Caritas Mthatha Promotes Women’s Leadership
In March 2018, Caritas Mthatha/Catholic Development Centre initiated a program called Masiphunge Women Empowerment Program.
Masiphunge is a Xhosa word meaning, “Come, let’s have a cup of tea together”. The concept is based on an idea that women used to drink tea together and began to share important information or gossip amongst themselves. These were fruitful gatherings. The increase in violence against women and femicide, coupled with the positioning of women in society, made Caritas Mthatha/Catholic Development Centre see the idea of bringing women, in particular women leaders, together over a cup of tea to enhance leadership skills, and provide a platform for women’s participation in order to ensure that women have an equal space in all matters of society. The programme was implemented in partnership with Umtata Women Support Centre.
The initial program started with 20 women from Kambi. Female community leaders were already involved in Caritas Mthatha/Catholic Development Centre’s Agricultural Support Programme, but what remained missing was the idea of empowering them to have a voice, to occupy a space of power and participate fully.
The programme was designed to comprise of 15 sessions with the women, all while having a cup of tea (or coffee!). The sessions covered topics like: Cultural practices that discriminate against women living in the rural communities; Women as leaders in their homes and in their communities; Managing women’s mental health; Human rights with specific regard to women living in the rural areas; Empowerment opportunities for women living in the rural communities. The women were also involved in advocacy, money management, communication and conflict management skills training.
The initial twenty participants completed all 15 sessions, and each participant was awarded an attendance certificate.
Mrs Nozinzile Maxhanti, one of the participants, testifies that,
“I am the leader I am today because of Masiphunge. I have been elected to Chair a women’s OR Tambo group but I am not educated. Masiphunge has enabled me to go to the government office and demand services, and we have followed up with a local clinic programme. I salute Masiphunge.”
Mrs Maxhanti participated with other women in a beadwork programme, and at the programme launch was one of three people selected to speak to traditional leaders and community of Bumbane Great Place.
Thembekile Kanise, the initiator of the programme, said, “I have seen the programme grow beyond Caritas Mthatha and CDC. It has now been adopted by the National Development Agency and the Department of Social Development.
The programme has spread to some 7 communities with women participating, and men have also joined some sessions. I am proud that Masiphunge Women Empowerment Program is not just a talk-shop; women really take up leadership responsibilities and increase their participation in community events with a purpose. I have seen those who come from Masiphunge ensuring that they too must be counted in the development of their communities, in the fight against drugs, teenage pregnancy, violence against women and femicide.”