A time for reflection.
Every August, South Africans celebrate the hard-working women of this country and the few freedoms that have been realised over time. And the journey continues. Due to the global pandemic, the usual community events, marches, sports days, concerts or vigils will not be held. More importantly, between February and April 2020 three million jobs were lost of which two million were jobs held by women. Here are five ways you can make a difference, because now more than ever South African women need support.
Employment Opportunities
The nationwide lockdown has been extremely challenging for domestic workers, many of whom are the sole providers for their families. As lockdown measures ease people are opening their homes to workers.
‘The domestic workers who use our platform have received specialist and expert training in sanitising homes to the highest industry requirements and we have also partnered with Airbnb to provide world-class cleaning and sanitising solutions for hosts in South Africa. Domestic workers on our platform are the safest, most highly trained cleaning specialists available for your home and by supporting them you are helping to keep bellies full and families housed,’ says SweepSouth co-founder and CEO Aisha Pandor.
Groceries for those on the breadline
Women in the service industry who don’t have a steady income and rely on tips struggle to get by during lockdown. Consider sponsoring a woman-led household with groceries for a month or two. Services like Yebo Fresh deliver to traditionally under-served areas like informal settlements. This could be an immense relief to those who are wondering what they’ll make their family for supper this evening.
A visible symbol of support
You can show your support in a very literal way through buying Relate bracelets for yourself and your friends to wear. Their Mothers2Mothers bracelet supports this organisation which operates throughout sub-Saharan Africa caring for and training women, including HIV-positive mothers, to help them provide the best possible care for their children. This purchase will also be putting much-needed money into the pockets of the elderly disadvantaged women who make the bracelets. Orders can be placed via theMothers2Mother website from as little as R30 each.
Women-driven initiatives
Through online events, you can either contribute towards causes that help women while enjoying yourself or, if you're a woman, empower yourself in various ways. On the Quicket events platform can pick what works for you, from taking part in fitness classes to raise money for feminine hygiene products to attending a women's forum tackling pertinent local issues or you can use the site to create your own fundraiser.
A helping hand for women in tourism
Did you know that more than half of South African Airbnb hosts are women? These hosts have not been able to earn an income through home sharing since South Africa went into lockdown at the end of March. Airbnb has, however, made it possible to host an online experience. So, why not book a women-led Airbnb Experience? Not only will you be helping a South African woman earn some money, but you get to have tons of fun and possibly learn a new skill while doing so.
