Mustadafin Foundation is a 35-year-old organisation that supports and encourages the empowerment of women. With a 95% female staff complement and led by a female director Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem, Mustadafin’s efforts in highlighting the importance and upliftment of women are not just something that happens for the month of August, but for the 365 days of the year.
During this month two Mustadafin female employees share their journey with the organisation.
Mariam Farmer (employed with Mustadafin since 2000)
“Unemployed, with children in a community that is surrounded with darkness and a life filled with bad choices, I had felt very hopeless. I knew I have to do something to provide for my family, so I looked for help from others in my community. I then found Mustadafin. Every day I would stand in their line for food, when one day the director Ghairunisa, noticed me. She asked me to come volunteer. That was the beginning of my journey with Mustdafin,” says Farmer.
“I started as a cleaner. Not long after I was employed by the organisation and sent to numerous courses and skills training sessions. Today I can proudly say that I went from no qualification to a qualified home-based carer. I have been part of Mustadafin for over 21 years and is currently employed as a cook. Mustadafin did not just look after me but also made sure my children’s needs and education has been seen to. I am forever grateful for the opportunities they gave me in life; this organisation gave me strength and hope again.”
Candice Solomons (employed with Mustadafin since 2007)
“My story goes 10 years back when I could not read nor write. My inability to read and write made me someone I did not like. I knew I had so much to offer the world. One day I was offered the opportunity to work at Mustadfin Foundation as a home-based carer, which I loved dearly. After some time in this role, I wanted to do more. I spoke to my colleague, Mrs. Salie, Mustadafin’s adult literacy programme facilitator,” says Solomons.
I joined the literacy programme, and she was very understanding and supportive. What was so captivating was seeing that I was not the only one with this problem. I was a part of a class of women motivated to overcome literacy struggles. Many of these women who complete Mustadafin’s literacy programme improve the quality of their lives and open themselves up to employment opportunities. Today I’m able to read and write and the best part is that I’m an Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioner at Mustadafin Foundation. I’m able to share my skills with the little ones.”
With this year’s women’s day theme, “Women of Worth”, Mustadafin celebrates and salutes the tremendous efforts made by women around and in our communities in shaping a brighter future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the gaps that remain.
“Every day, through our actions, and in the way we lead, talk, question and act, we challenge norms, transform habits, change laws, take action and inspire others to create a world without gender-based discrimination because on our lap men are taught. In the throes of a global pandemic, how we act now matters more than ever.” Says Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem, the director
“Women of the world want and deserve an equal future free from stereotypes and violence; a future that is sustainable, peaceful, with equal rights and opportunities for all. To get us there, the world needs women at every table where decisions are being made,” says Johnstone-Cassiem.
For more information on how you can be part of the Mustadafin, call 021 633 0010 or visit their website at mustadafin.org.za. Donations can be made to Mustadafin Foundation, Standard bank, branch code 025909, account no 072 778 377 or visit 154 Antelope Street Bridgetown or WhatsApp 079 567 3645.
Celebrating Women Of Worth https://t.co/oTlK5blgdx#ArriveAlive #CelebratingWomen @MustadafinFound pic.twitter.com/XH8zIMzZG8
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) August 16, 2021
