SA: Johanna Maluleke

“I cannot lie if I did not get assistance from council and other people it was going to hard and maybe it could have never happened” 

I did not have the knowledge and skills of running a business before I came to the training. After the training I became  a better person with good relationship to my customers, and the most memorable experience as part of these training was writing the I story. I then realised that I am not the only one facing challenges in my life.

In November 2014, on the first week of 16 days of activism I attended the training. Part of which was drawing the business plan. I did not have full knowledge regarding the work that I was doing, hence Gender Links’ workshop helped me through that difficult situation. 

I design and sell school uniforms. Gender Links’ training has helped me a lot now I am an independent woman with full responsibility. I have managed to start a small business. GL has given me information about these trainings. I am now planning to go to the bank and apply for a loan. 

My partner has stopped abusing me. The reason I changed is because of Gender Links’ trainings. I spoke with my partner and he is now happy. Meeting as women and starting our own small business has helped not only me, but many other women who has gone through and survived GBV. People whom are close to me are happy, we advise each other about life. 

I have learnt how to be a businesswoman, and to go and register my business. I want to have my own place where I can work and hire women who are unemployed. My dream is to have a beautiful big house and my own car. I would like to thank Gender Links for coming to Phalaborwa, I will be happy if the training continues to help us.