Blind women urged to invest in themselves

Blind and visually impaired woman had their moment to shine during a celebration last week in honour of Women’s Day.

The Invest in Women event, attended by about 50 women, at the Cape Town Society for the Blind’s head office in Salt River, last Thursday, was organised by South African Blind Women in Action (SABWIA), and it included singing, poetry reading, dancing and the presentation of awards.

The organisation offers support to blind and visually impaired women, according to its deputy chairperson Sandra Dreyer, who is also blind.

“We want to enable them to do and to dream and to dare what they want to become,” she said. “We do various programmes throughout the year to help them become more independent.”

Special guest Pumeza Phillips, 38, who is originally from Gugulethu but now lives in Heathfield, told how she had lost her eyesight at the age of 23.

At the time, she had recently graduated from a UWC library studies course and had had to cancel job interviews, she said.

The Helen Keller Society and other organisation had, however, helped her to adapt to her new life, she said.

“I now make use of voice technology on my smartphone and laptop to help me every day.”

Ms Phillips, who now works for a financial investment company, said she had realised that she needed to invest in herself to have an established career.

“I always wanted to give hope in sharing my story; it's important to know what you want, and success leads to bread crumbs, and those bread crumbs can help you invest in your future.”

Judith Coetzee, the CEO of Cape Town Society for the Blind, said they worked closely with SABWIA.

“Every year, we get new students; they get to hear positive messages from the organisation, and our staff members also get to benefit from them,” she said. “Your past should not define you. Even if you do become blind later in life, you can make something of your life.”

Visit capetownsocietyfortheblind.co.za or call 021 448 4302 for more information.