Local non-profit organisation Forward Foundation will, in partnership with AM Security, conduct self-defence classes at its upcoming Women’s Day event scheduled to take place on 9 August in Jamestown. The event is aimed at combating gender-based violence (GBV) and addressing period poverty.
Forward Foundation, is committed to fostering safer communities by moving South Africa “Forward Faster”.
The event promises to keep the entire family entertained, activities on the day include a touch-rugby tournament, a dance-off battle, a kids’ play area, food stalls and so much more.
“This event promises to be exciting, and I want to invite everyone to come and join us for a fun-filled family day,” said Le Roux Conradie, Managing Director of the Forward Foundation. “I understand that the public has lots more options for these days to frequent festivals, concerts, sports days, and the like, but I want to encourage everyone to come down to the Forward Faster Festival where the kids will have a safe space to play.
“The touch rugby tournament will be broadcast live by our partners at Club Rugby Live, with the players not only getting much-needed broadcasting exposure, but the top three teams stand a chance to win their share of R10 000 prize money.
“Women’s Day has a very strong and historic origin in South Africa. A story Forward Foundation hopes to keep shaping by Moving South Africa Forward Faster.”
Gender-based violence remained a pervasive issue in South Africa, affecting countless lives and communities. In response to this pressing concern, the Forward Foundation has taken decisive action to empower individuals with vital self-defence skills. The self-defence classes offered by AM Security will serve as an instrumental step towards minimising the risk of GBV, ensuring everyone, especially women, feel safer and more confident in their daily lives.
Furthermore, recognising the profound impact of period poverty, the Forward Foundation is organising a sanitary towel drive in conjunction with the Women’s Day event. The drive aims to alleviate the challenges faced by many women and girls who lack access to menstrual-hygiene products, and addressing period poverty is essential for promoting gender equality and supporting the well-being of all women.
Conradie expressed his enthusiasm for these vital endeavours. “At the Forward Foundation, we are dedicated to tackling pressing social issues head-on,” he said. “By providing self-defence classes and hosting a sanitary towel drive we are striving to create safer communities while addressing the plight of period poverty. We firmly believe empowering women with both protective skills and essential menstrual-hygiene products will significantly impact their lives positively, the Forward Foundation believes we need to move South Africa Forward Faster.”
Current Forward Foundation partner, AM Security, renowned for its commitment to safeguarding communities, is honoured to bolster their collaboration with the Forward Foundation in this multifaceted initiative.
Coenie Beukes, AM Security CEO commented: “As a security solutions provider we understand that safety encompasses various aspects of life. By partnering with the Forward Foundation in these self-defence classes, and contributing to the sanitary towel drive, we hope to create a more secure environment for women in South Africa. It is our collective responsibility to foster a society where everyone can thrive free from violence and inequality.”
The Women’s Day event on 9 August at Jamestown will mark the launch of the self-defence classes and the sanitary-towel drive. Participants can look forward to interactive and empowering self-defence awareness sessions led by experienced trainers from AM Security. Additionally, those attending are encouraged to bring sanitary towel donations to support those facing period poverty.
The Forward Foundation invites the community to participate actively in these initiatives and contribute to building a safer, more inclusive society for all by Moving South Africa Forward Faster.
For more information about the Forward Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.forwardfoundation.co.za.
