In general, women in South Africa experience many challenges in finding and keeping a good job. These include being able to secure appropriate childcare, gaps in employment to raise a family, gender biases and discrimination. This can lead to a loss of networks, connections and confidence.
This becomes harder when one is a survivor of sexual violence.
In response to this, Young Women for life in Cape Town partnered with the Women’s Bakery to equip 40 women from slum settlements with skills in baking and hospitality services.
Majority of young women who participated in the program were survivors of sexual violence.
Without employment, it is impossible to escape poverty and gender based violence.
Without stable employment, escaping the vicious cycle of poverty and gender-based violence remains an elusive dream
Through this program, the young women were supported in addressing personal barriers to employment such as: a lack of work experience, low education levels, English as a second language, difficulty finding childcare, housing instability, mental health challenges, transportation costs and others.
A sequence of classes, site visits, work experience, guest speakers and paid employment placements empower women to build a positive future.
Slyvia Ngwane, one of the field workers for young women for life said: “In the impoverished slum settlements of Cape Town, South Africa, a beacon of hope shines brightly for young women who have survived the trauma of sexual violence. The innovative program, spearheaded by the organization Young Women for Life, will equip these resilient survivors with valuable skills in the hospitality industry, empowering them to secure employment and even start their own businesses within their communities.”
