West Rand Women Unite and Heal to Break Mental Health Stigma
Thabo Motlhabi
International Women’s Day events encourage healing, unity, and self-love among women.
Women from across the West Rand gathered to celebrate empowerment and unity during an inspiring day celebration organised by Katleho Lenong from Tswaa Daa Merchandise and Events.
The celebration took place on Sunday, 08 March 2026, at Chartwell Fourways Hoyo Hoyo, bringing together women from various walks of life to engage in open discussions about challenges affecting women in their lives.
International Women’s Day is commemorated globally each year on 08 March and focuses on promoting gender equality, women’s rights, and the empowerment of women worldwide. The day also highlights issues affecting women, such as violence, discrimination, and reproductive rights.
According to the organiser Katleho Lenong, the main objective of the event was to create a safe space where women could openly discuss issues affecting them, particularly mental health. In many communities, especially within Black communities, mental health conditions are often misunderstood and sometimes linked to witchcraft due to a lack of awareness and education.
The celebration created an opportunity for women to share their experiences and support one another. Various speakers spoke about the pressure of balancing family responsibilities, careers, and financial burdens, with some women raising children as single parents while managing households and work commitments. These responsibilities can leave little time for women to focus on themselves, which may lead to emotional exhaustion and gradual loss of personal identity.
Miss Katleho Lenong encouraged women to speak openly about their experiences.
“Tell your story because it can be someone’s healing process.”
Women attending the event were encouraged to practise self-love and prioritise their well-being. This includes recognising their worth, reconnecting with their identity, and respecting their personal time and space.
As an author, Mrs Keabetswe Mange also addresses the gathering and shares insights from her book titled “The Journey of My Father with Dementia”. “She highlighted the need for education and compassion when dealing with conditions such as dementia.
“In many of our communities, especially within Black communities, conditions like dementia are often misunderstood and sometimes associated with witchcraft or spiritual causes. Through my father’s journey story, I wanted to highlight the importance of educating ourselves and approaching these situations with compassion rather than fear of judgement. My message was one of encouragement that we must begin to have honest conversations about mental health, seek proper medical help, and support families who are going through these experiences when we understand better. We can care better and restore dignity to those who are affected.”
The campaign concluded with networking and social engagement, giving women the opportunity to exchange contacts and strengthen community support systems.
The celebration served as a powerful reminder that when women come together, they can create meaningful conversations, build support networks and empower one another to overcome obstacles.