MOSSEL BAY NEWS - August is the month for recognising outstanding women. 

Zaida Swart, part of the support personnel at the police's Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Mossel Bay, is someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty in her job. 

Tell us about yourself and the work you do? 

I have been working as a support staff member at the FCS Unit for the past 17 years. Working in the department where cases against women and children are investigated, I make sure that whoever enters the unit is received in a friendly and empathetic manner. 

As a member of the team, I also assist with awareness projects and offer counselling to affected clients. 

What are some of your achievements of which you're most proud? 

I facilitated the project, "HearMeToo" for the 1 000 Women 1 Voice organisation in 2023, as part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. During this project, I started a support group as well. 

Tell us of the challenges you've overcome. 

I do experience challenges in my daily life, as a Christian leader of a congregation. Women get less acknowledgement and respect. Knowing my self worth, I overcome these challenges with a positive attitude and assertiveness. 

In my work, I am respected as a woman and am happy to be part of the team. 

What does Women's Month mean to you? 

Women's Month is very important to me. Women are being celebrated, empowered and acknowledged. 

Who have been some inspiring women in your life and why? 

Karen Gildenhuys, who I met in 2002. She is the director of the Creating Effective Families NPO. She made a huge impact on my personal development. 

Lenise Hendricks is an activist against gender-based violence (GBV) and also the leader of Concerned Women of Mossel Bay, which assists victims and others affected during court cases relating to GBV. She is a phenomenal woman, whom I see as the matriarch of Mossel Bay. 

What are the major challenges women still face? How can they be overcome? 

Men who do not support their children or use finances as a way to control behaviour. This challenge can be overcome when women get educational development and skills, get a job and start to earn their own money. They can also approach the Maintenance Court. 

What advice would you like to give in Women's Month? 

My advice to women is to be the best version of yourself. 

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