Womxn with Vision of South Africa

23/10/2026

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23/10/2026

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Mental health is real, and faith spaces are changing. For survivors of gender-based violence, mental health cannot be separated from trauma, writes Dr Leonora Alberts-Vilakazi. A sudden sound, a familiar scent or a certain tone of voice can bring old wounds back as if the danger were happening all over again. Many survivors suffer in silence, thinking their pain is a personal failing, when it is a natural response to extraordinary trauma.
Faith spaces have sometimes made this harder, telling survivors to “pray more” or to endure for the sake of peace. But a shift is under way, says Leo. Through the Faith Action Collective to End GBV and We Will Speak Out South Africa, faith leaders are speaking openly about mental health, calling GBV and spiritual abuse unacceptable, and affirming that seeking therapy is compatible with spiritual devotion.
Dr Alberts-Vilakazi also explores how a small backyard garden can help women affected by GBV reconnect with their bodies, regain a sense of control, and find community. 🌱
📖 Read the full blog: https://www.wwsosa.org.za/the-intersection-of-faith-mental-health-and-gbv/
If you need support: GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428 | SADAG Su***de Crisis Helpline 0800 567 567

21/10/2026

A Place Called Home Ezabangoma Homestead:
By Dr Leonora Alberts-Vilakazi

The sun rose over the rolling hills of Ezabangoma Homestead, casting a warm, golden light across the countryside.

Solar panels glistened atop the rooftops as birds chirped merrily from the trees, signaling the start of another vibrant day in the valley. In the distance, the landscape sloped gently toward the blue horizon and the ocean beyond, providing a serene backdrop to the community life unfolding below.
​Down in the community gardens, the morning was already in full swing.

Fikile stood along the garden paths, raising a hand with an infectious smile to greet everyone and direct the day's tasks.

Working alongside her, Leo and Sipo joined dedicated neighbors along the fence line
turning the soil, wheeling supplies, and carefully nurturing the young crops.
​Together, step by step, everyone had a hand in transforming this patch of earth into a place of true abundance.

Long, neat rows of leafy green vegetables stretched across the dark soil, guarded by bright yellow marigolds that kept pests away and added bursts of cheerful color. Black irrigation hoses snaked through the carefully dug channels, ensuring every growing bed received much-needed water.
​As the afternoon sun warmed the land, the fur babies trotted up the dirt pathway.

Eager to supervise the work, they bounded happily through the tall grass, tail wagging and keeping a watchful eye on their human family. Their playful energy brought a comforting rhythm to the hard work, turning a busy day in the field into a joyous family affair.

​By the time the shadows lengthened across the valley, the garden stood lush and full a living testament to shared labor, care for the earth, and the warm spirit of togetherness that makes Ezabangoma Homestead feel like home.

21/10/2026

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20/10/2026

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16/10/2026

Meet our community garden team 💚🥰 and farmers

15/10/2026