Empowering Women and Girls in Gansbaai

At Grootbos Foundation, we support, celebrate and build strong women from a young age. A healthy community is one that recognises and values equality, respects differences, seeks to understand each other and demonstrates compassion for all regardless of their gender. 9 August is Women's Day in South Africa and acknowledges the role played by women in rising up against, and eventually defeating, the Apartheid regime in South Africa. We are proud of the feisty, courageous, hard-working, wise women in our country who are the friends, mothers, sisters, neighbours, carers, workers, healers and leaders of our families and our communities.

Coach Danver was invited to join a group of local NPOs, SAPS and the Overstrand Municipality in Gansbaai to speak to parents and adults about the importance of breaking the cycle of Gender Based Violence. This is part of a national month-long initiative during August, the month of Women's Day, to raise awareness of this social problem.

The U16 Female Rugby team started the Women's Day weekend by playing 2 matches last Friday against teams from Hawston and Groenberg. For many of these young women, rugby is more than a sport. It has given them a team, a sisterhood and a support system to help navigate high school and their teenage years. They have learnt about commitment, the value of hard work, and to be proud of their strength. Rugby has built their confidence as young women.