​Women's Day celebration hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development at the Tarlton Multipurpose Centre in Mogale City was a resounding success, with over 200 women in attendance. 
The event, themed “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy Towards Women’s Development,” was aimed to raise awareness about critical issues such as gender-based violence, femicide, substance abuse, HIV, and victim empowerment programmes (VEP). Some of these are prevalent in the Tarlton community. 

Tarlton, a disadvantaged area in Mogale City, faces worrying challenges, which include high unemployment rates and teenage pregnancy. Mpolokeng Khambule from the Krugersdorp Social Development office emphasized the need for increased community education on government programmes and services.

“Tarlton is one of the areas where people know little about the functions of various government departments. As the Gauteng Department of Social Development, we are committed to sharing information and raising awareness in every possible way,” Khambule stated.

One attendee, Thato* (name changed for privacy), shared a heart-wrenching story that highlights the importance of such initiatives. Thato attended the event with her three-month-old daughter, a child conceived as a result of rape. She recounted how she was kidnapped and assaulted by an Uber driver while returning home from work. 

“After the Uber driver raped me, he forced me to jump out of the moving car. Thankfully, a woman and her daughter passing by stopped to help and took me to the nearest police station, where I reported the crime,” Thato shared.

Although she received immediate medical care, including preventive treatment for HIV and pregnancy, Thato discovered she was pregnant at five months. Despite following all legal procedures, the case was eventually withdrawn after authorities failed to trace the perpetrator.

Reflecting on her experience, Thato said, “When I found out I was having a girl, I accepted it. But if it had been a boy, I might have left him at the hospital.” Victoria Nkomo from Imizamoyethu Emihle Social Services expressed her gratitude for the Women's Day celebration in Tarlton. “This event has opened doors for many women here, with stakeholders presenting programs and teaching us how to start small businesses. I’m thankful to the Gauteng Department of Social Development for bringing hope and smiles to the women of Tarlton,” Nkomo remarked.

This event marks a significant step towards  empowering women in Tarlton and addressing the pressing issues facing their community.his event marks a significant step towards empowering women in Tarlton and addressing the pressing issues facing their community.