A large number or women attended the Women’s Month celebrations at Ngwekhulu on Monday. The function was organised by the Department of Health and Social Development.

According to a spokesperson for the organizers, it was aimed at empowering women, while addressing issues that are affecting them. The theme of the event was women and violence.

Among the special guests were representatives from other district municipalities, councilors, the University of Venda, Sanco, the SAPS and traditional leaders.

Among the speakers was Dr Mashudu Maselesele from the University of Venda, who urged women to be the answer to domestic violence by breaking the silence. "Many women only report abuse after a long time of suffering," said Maselesele. She also stressed that women of today should continue with the struggle that was started by women who marched to the Union Buildings way back in 1956.

Captain Nthai from the Vuwani SAPS also talked to the masses about crime reports. She indicated that more than 200 cases of domestic violence were reported within the past three months.

Makhado Mayor Cllr Gloria Mashaba acknowledged that women still have a lot of challenges to face, some of which are illiteracy and poverty. She said that such problems could be dealt with by giving women equal opportunities as men, particularly at the work place. She also urged girls to stay away from early marriages as it limits their chances of success, thereby creating more and more poverty. "Women are not free if they are still abused by men," she said.