Retreat Library Celebrates Women's Empowerment Through Enriching Campaign

Executive Mayor of Cape Town Dan Plato with women from the
 six week program at Retreat Library

The Carter Center alongside the city of Cape Town launched its first global Inform Women, Transform Lives Campaign at the Retreat library earlier this year as one of the 14 libraries selected in 13 cities around the world. The aim for the project is to appropriate the needs of the city and to advance the local dynamics, social economic circumstances to help women access information.   

The City’s Executive Mayor Dan Plato who spoke in the event said that the initiative is a great value for women in communities “The women in our communities are the backbone of families, communities and aspirations and hope for the future. Having just marked Women’s Month, the initiative has helped to highlight how greater access to information can empower citizens and broaden their access to opportunities.  

Through the campaign, women are put in a six weeks training programme through Smartcape services to access necessary skills. Libraries also are the heart of knowledge sharing, upliftment, and the empowerment of women therefore the perfect place to host a programme. The Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Sharon Cottle also added, “When women and girls are empowered, the community and society is empowered. Therefore, knowledge and access to opportunities are a pivotal if women are equipped with the agency to make their own decisions.”

Franceline Mutala, one of the women who graduated in the programme is thankful for the skills she learnt. “So far, I have enjoyed the programme because it has helped me get out of my shell. I was a shy person but now I am able to deal with different people and their different backgrounds. In addition, it helped me understand the meaning of sisterhood. I hope it can also improve my chances of employment.

 Done by:  Lucille Dyosi