In celebration of Women’s Month, we explore the impactful initiatives of theAshraful
Aid Ulwazi Skills Centre in Johannesburg. This center has been empowering women in the local community since 2010 by providing them with essential skills for job opportunities and entrepreneurship. With a focus on computer skills, sewing, baking, and more, the center aims to break down barriers and uplift women in the face of economic challenges. In this article, we delve into the center’s efforts to promote self-reliance, reduce dependence on retail outlets, and foster a more equitable South African labor market.
Empowering Women through Diverse Skill Training:
The Ashraful Aid Ulwazi Skills Centre offers an array of training programs that caterto the diverse interests and needs of women in the community. Participantsareencouraged to explore fields such as computer literacy, sewing, baking, and jewelry making using materials like leather. By acquiring these skills, women not only enhance their employability but also gain the confidence to start their own businesses, leading to increased economic independence. Promoting Sustainable Entrepreneurship:
One significant aspect of the center’s approach is promoting sustainable entrepreneurship among women. The initiative to encourage women to become seamstresses and undertake clothing alterations as small business operations is a step towards self-sufficiency. Making their own clothing further reduces reliance on retail outlets, empowering women to save money and invest in other ventures. Addressing the Gender Disparity in Employment:
Globally and in South Africa, women continue to face economic challenges, oftenlimited to low-paying jobs with little room for advancement. The Ulwazi Skills Centre aims to address this gender disparity in employment opportunities by equipping women with crucial computer skills. In today’s job market, computer literacy is an essential requirement, especially in South Africa, where the unemployment rate remains high compared to the global average.
Challenging Statistics and Embracing Equity:
Current statistics indicate that nearly half of South African women of working age are economically inactive, whereas the labor force participation rate for women globally stands at approximately 47%, significantly lower than the 72%for men. The center’s work aligns with this year’s Women’s Month theme, “Embrace Equity,” by actively upskilling women and empowering them to participate in the South African labor market more productively.
