AS part of the Department of Social Development’s efforts to empower Gender-Based Violence victims and rural women, the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development, in partnership with the Digital Communications Department, hosted a graduation ceremony for 51 participants. These individuals were trained in basic AI and Robotics to empower women to become self-sufficient and active participants in the economy.
Speaking at the event held at the Estuary Hotel in Port Edward on December 12, the Eastern Cape MEC for Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta, described the occasion as the culmination of hard work and dedication and a significant step forward in the fight against GBV.
“The Gender-Based Violence and Victim Empowerment programme is a vital initiative aimed at addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in our society. It is a program designed not only to equip survivors with the necessary skills and knowledge to reclaim their lives but also to raise awareness and foster a culture of respect and equality,” Fanta said.
She emphasized that skills development programmes have been identified as one of the interventions to provide safety nets for accumulating financial and material assets. The participants were taught how to find employment or study opportunities in the Communications and Digital Technologies sector and how to keep themselves safe online.
Fanta congratulated the graduates and urged them to use their new knowledge to assist others in their communities.
