POWA, People Opposing Women Abuse, is a South African NGO established in 1979 which undertakes campaigns, projects and research related to
violence against women
Violence against women (VAW), also known as gender-based violence and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), are violent acts primarily or exclusively committed against women or girls, usually by men or boys. Such violence is often consi ...
in Africa. POWA was the first organisation in South Africa to establish a shelter for abused women in 1981. In 1999, at the time of the
Tuli elephant cruelty case, POWA ran a controversial TV advertisement claiming that many people "care more for abused animals than for abused women".
Projects
Sector Capacity Building and Strengthening
POWA provides training education and mentorship to women's groups so they understand the women's rights discourse and to formalise services that directly affect their current needs.
Law Reform
POWA attempts to influence national, regional and international policy in ways that supports empowering and supporting women.
Rights Education
The responsibility of their branch offices includes rights education through workshops and community meetings.
Sheltering and counselling
Free counselling and shelter is provided to all South African women that are in need of it. POWA has six satellite offices and two confidential shelters.
References
External links
Website
1979 establishments in South Africa
Organizations established in 1979
Women's rights organizations
Non-profit organizations based in Africa
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