UCKG's Women in Action empower women on International Women's Day

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Sub-titled, "Modern, in the old-fashioned way", the book challenges the concepts and values of modern women, heralding the arrival of the V-woman. Based on the verse in the Biblical book of Proverbs: "Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies", the book explores 20 secrets of this V-woman and teaches readers how to apply them today.

In the introduction Cristiane Cardoso says: "A long time ago, women were respected and honoured. In fact, man's reputation relied on marrying a lady. We used to be a prize to be conquered." The book goes on to explore how modern women have lost their value and have become disregarded and viewed as objects. The authoress states: "How sad it is to see how low we've sunk, how worthless and insignificant we see ourselves, to the point of settling for less than average." She asks the question: "Do you want to be respected? Respect yourself first. Do you want to be valued? Value yourself first."

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A bookmark distributed with the 5 188 copies of the V-woman which were signed on International Women's Day encourages women to understand their unique value in this world and to believe in their potential, concluding: "If you want to change the world - change the way you see yourself".

Besides the event in Johannesburg, the V-woman was re-launched in Mexico, Buenos Aires, New York, Lisbon and ten main centres in Brazil. A church member from Soweto who attended the book signing at Novel Books said: "Although we are now able to work and contribute financially to our families, the role we play in being wives, home-makers and good role models for our children can never be underestimated. It is important to lead by example so that future generations have a solid family foundation based on Biblical values."

As part of the International Women's Day celebration, Women in Action distributed 1 500 red roses and more than 2 000 leaflets to shoppers and members of the public at the Hobart Grove Shopping Centre in Bryanston, Sandton. The initiative is part of their ongoing campaign to highlight abuse and to encourage victims to begin the journey to recovery by speaking out and seeking support. The leaflet stresses the importance of taking a stand against abuse, which is far too prevalent in South African society, highlighting physical and emotional signs which could signal abuse and encouraging victims to seek help.

The number of people who attended the event far exceeded initial expectations and a tenant at the shopping centre commented: "We have never seen anything like this. Even the presence of Jodi Picoult who signed copies of her book Lone Wolf at Novel Books recently, was not as big as this."

Concluding the event, Women in Action announced the exciting news that the first Virtuous Woman Symposium in South Africa will be held at The Cenacle of Faith in Johannesburg on Sunday 24 March at 2pm.

For further information please contact Nametso Mofokeng, UCKG public relations department on 011 224 3400.

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