Matsapha – Young girls participating in this year’s Umhlanga Reed Dance have been equipped with life skills, health knowledge and confidence during a Gender Network hosted by His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS).
The engagement was held at the HMCS Staff College in Matsapha on Tuesday as preparations gather pace for the annual cultural event, expected to begin next week.
Deputy Commandant Senior Assistant Commissioner Kenneth Dlamini officially opened the programme, welcoming the girls and presenters and encouraging them to feel at home during the sessions.
The programme covered self-awareness, emotional intelligence, mental health, communication skills and menstrual hygiene, with speakers encouraging the girls to make informed decisions and protect their wellbeing.
Zodwa Gama, who spoke on communication skills, encouraged the girls to speak up and set personal boundaries.
“NO is a complete sentence,” Gama told the girls, reminding them that nobody had the right to force them into anything they were uncomfortable with.
Ayanda Simelane also spoke about self-respect and warned the girls against giving in to peer pressure, encouraging them to recognise their worth.
The health sessions addressed some of the challenges young girls may face during the cultural event.
Schools’ Health Nurse for the Manzini Region Nontethelelo Vilakati spoke about menstrual hygiene and the importance of maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation.
Nakiwe Dlamini of the Public Sector HIV/AIDS Coordinating Committee (PSHACC) addressed mental health, sharing practical ways of managing stress and emotions.
The girls were also taken through life skills and self-awareness sessions by presenters from the Guidance and Counselling Office in the Ministry of Education.
Senior HMCS officers, including Assistant Commissioner Takhona Motsa, who represented Commissioner Phindile Sibandze, and Assistant Commissioner Futhi Mhlanga, attended the programme.
HMCS said the Gender Network forms part of its efforts to support the wellbeing and development of the girl child, particularly as young girls prepare to participate in national cultural events such as Umhlanga.
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