Women gather to celebrate Women's Month

Women from across the city came together on Saturday, August 1,6 for the Rooted & Rising High Tea, hosted by Shincheonji Volunteers, in honour of Women’s Month.

Shincheonji Volunteers is a community-based initiative dedicated to uplifting society through acts of service, compassion, and education.

From environmental clean-ups to skills training, food drives, and cultural events, the volunteers work to build bridges across communities and foster hope.

"Guided by the values of unity and love, Shincheonji Volunteers believe in making a lasting impact by serving where needs are greatest," said Ryan Gwanyanya from the New Heaven New Earth Church.

The event was guided by this year’s national theme, Building Resilient Economies for All, with the spotlight shining on the unseen strengths women carry into their families, workplaces, and communities.

The program also blended keynote addresses, heartfelt dialogue, poetry, music, and moments of solidarity, creating a vibrant space of celebration and reflection.

Mr Gwanyanya said another highlight of the afternoon was the reading of an open letter from a member of the New Heaven New Earth Church of Jesus, addressed to all participants.

"The letter called for unity rooted in scripture and urged women to rise above division by seeking truth. Drawing a parallel to the historic 1956 Women’s March, it reminded attendees that today’s generation must remain rooted in hope while rising to new challenges," he said.

Pastor Shirley Brown reflected on the spiritual wealth women bring to society.

“The goal is not to judge based on people’s words, but to seek the truth through scripture and to walk in love, understanding, and unity," she said.

"The God we believe in, the Jesus we believe in, and the Bible we believe in are the same.”

This heartfelt message captured the essence of the High Tea with women not only celebrating each other, but also reaffirming their shared values, dignity, and purpose, Mr Gwanyanya said.

Chelsea Mamwell of Mosaic Organisation reminded attendees of the invisible yet vital emotional economies women sustain.

“Emotional support is the invisible thread that holds together societies, communities, and families. At Mosaic, we don’t only offer a service, we offer a lifeline, reminding survivors that they are able to rise again.” Ms Maxwell said.

Speaking to the communal and relational economies that women nurture, Philisiwe Mthimkulu, Community Liaison Officer at the Department of Social Development, explained the "power of collaboration, connection, and care".

“We are not in competition with each other. Even if a hundred of us do the same project, what matters is the dignity and hope it restores. Collaboration and care are what truly build stronger communities,” Ms Mthimkulu said.

Mr Gwanyanya said the High Tea ended on a nigh note, with a call to carry forward the spirit of Women’s Month into everyday life, building spaces of solidarity, collaboration, and healing beyond August.

Shahieda Martin, founder of Angel Community Outreach, urged women to remain resilient.

"From one sister to another, keep on pushing on. Pushback the barriers, push back those obstacles that are in front of you because you can. You keep on shining your light because someone is looking up to you," Ms Martin said.