“The compassionate approach made me feel seen and validated. I am confident going back to my familiar surroundings with the right tools and hope that I will get better at setting boundaries,” WPDI trainee.
June 12, 2024 – In the heart of Cape Flats, South Africa, WPDI is spearheading transformative efforts to support women and promote mental health through a series of events focused on trauma healing, psychosocial wellbeing and women’s empowerment. These training programs, some of which were conducted in partnership with the City of Cape Town in the framework of Human Rights Month throughout March, aim to address critical issues affecting women’s lives both personal and social.
The training sessions delved into the multifaceted nature of trauma, starting with an exploration of its definition, causes, and common symptoms. Participants engaged in identifying various types of trauma and understanding their profound effects on mental health, including conditions such as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Through comprehensive discussions and practical exercises, the program provided essential strategies for coping with trauma and building resilience. One particularly notable exercise that took place during the session with 25 women from Atlantis, known as the “River of Life,” allowed participants to visually map their life journeys, reflecting on significant events and sources of support, fostering a deeper understanding of their personal experiences with trauma. One trainee said: “The ‘River of Life’ exercise allowed me to reflect on my journey and recognise the strength I’ve gained from overcoming challenges. I felt so vulnerable and still decided to go up front and share my story. I am not only proud of myself but also of all the other women in the room.”
Empowerment is a key focus of the program, with sessions dedicated to building self-esteem and fostering a positive self-image. Sessions culminated in powerful affirmation exercises, where participants, led by the WPDI team, were invited to voice positive affirmations out loud, leaving the women feeling inspired and energized. The sessions, overseen by WPDI Program Country Manager Dr. Chance Chagunda were designed to be more than just training exercises—they were designed to catalyze transformative change in a community grappling with visibly high crime rates, but also the invisible ailments of mental health, which is too often the object of social stigma in these environments where accessible mental health services remain a rarity, despite the urgent need. Hence the need for this WPDI initiative designed both to reach individuals and to spread the message that a good mental wellbeing is essential for good health.
The sessions carried on into the month of May, with an event designed to address various crucial aspects of trauma and its impact on mental health for 25 women on Kuilsriver. Throughout the event, participants learned effective strategies for coping with trauma and developing resilience. Emphasis was placed on the importance of psychosocial support in the recovery process, underscoring the benefits of seeking professional assistance and accessing support networks.
The session provided an opportunity to reflect on significant life events, challenges, and sources of support, including those related to trauma. “You could feel the tension in the room at first. But after a while we could open up in this safe space. I am leaving this training feeling more confident and self-assured than ever before. Thank you so much to the team for making this possible for us!” exclaimed one participant.
Through these initiatives, WPDI is striving to make strides in promoting mental health awareness, supporting trauma recovery, and empowering women in Cape Flats, laying the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient community.
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