NWK helps WAU to empower women

Women of this WAU branch are teaching about 20 women of the local Atamelang community, of whom most are unemployed, sewing skills with which they can earn an additional income.

Humble beginnings

"It started as a mere WAU meeting. One of our study fields is community development and we invited a few local women to one of the meetings where we taught them how to make pancakes and make carrying bags with leftover pieces of fabric," said Tillie Dupper, chairman of the WAU branch in Delareyville.

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and we were so inspired that we decided to continue. We asked fellow WAU members and girlfriends for leftover fabric and taught the women how to make quilts," she added.

The women get together about twice a month on a farm near Delareyville where Dupper and other members of the WAU Delareyville branch teach them sewing skills. Before NWK’s donation, the women had to stitch everything by hand and Dupper and her team had big dreams of teaching them on sewing machines.

"The Verwes branch’s conference took place in March and the Delareyville branch showcased some of the women’s work. I was impressed and thought NWK could possibly get involved," said Johan Bezuidenhout, group manager of corporate marketing and communication at NWK.

Partners in the farming industry

Dupper compiled a wish list which consisted of the machines, scissors and cutting boards, among others, which NWK bought. The value of the donation totals R71,700.

NWK’s involvement in NWWAU projects stretches back as far as 2007 and the company has been sponsoring the three regions’ conferences as well as the annual provincial conference. "Women play a crucial role in any farming operation and are the farmer’s pillar of strength. It is important for NWK to view women as partners in the business and we therefore invest in them," added Bezuidenhout.

Reaching new heights

"The project has big potential and women who are being trained here can earn a bigger income in future. The role that members of the WAU’s Delareyville branch plays in the training of these women is massive and they do it for the love of it. These women are being empowered and have a purpose in life."

NWK visited the project this past Friday. "It proved that you don’t necessarily need the newest, most modern building. Where there’s a will, there’s a way," Bezuidenhout continued. "We cannot thank NWK enough for their involvement. It is taking our project to a new level," Dupper said.

"Life is difficult, because work is scarce. We asked God for a way out. We never thought we would be able to sew, but God is good to us all and sent people along to help ensure a better future for us," said Elsie Selaledi, one of the sewing apprentices.