It was her experience living in a centre for women exposed to gender based violence (GBV) that prompted her to establish the Ariela House of Restoration in Belhar.
Tershia Benjamin established the NPO in 2021 to aid in the fight against GBV on the Cape Flats.
“I am an ex-resident of the Saartjie Baartman Centre in Athlone. While there I was privileged to experience the advantages and disadvantages of living in a GBV shelter, as I was in contact with women from many different backgrounds, religions, races and ages. I noticed that there was a huge lack in rehabilitation and empowering of women. No work opportunities, skills upliftment and rehabilitation overall,” says Benjamin.
She has been living in Belhar for more than 30 years and realised that there is no formal centre that is dedicated to women, youth and children for the community of Belhar, Delft and surrounding areas.
“I have established this NPO in good faith as we would love to reach the masses. Our vision for this safe house is to have a rehabilitation center where women, young girls and children who have been affected by GBV, human trafficking, rape and unfortunate circumstances can be accommodated,” says Benjamin.
She wants the NPO to offer the following services:
- Counselling;
- assistance with social development matters;
- shelter;
- work opportunities (learnerships, skills development, short courses);
- legal services (protection orders, maintenance etc.); and
- religious (enriching their spiritual lives).
With establishing the safehouse they are hoping to rehabilitate women, children and even men who have been affected by GBV, human trafficking and child neglect.
“I lived at the Saartjie Baartman Center back in 2018 and had experience of the lack of empowerment for women who are residents of the shelter.
Ariela House of Restoration will be hosting the official launch on 25 June at the Encore Restaurant in Panorama.
“The event is in aid of the establishment of the safe house in the area. We will be hosting four different guest speakers who have been working widely with women and children in different aspects. We would love to get the community of Belhar involved as a safe house is something which is crucial for the women and children of Belhar and the surrounding communities,” says Benjamin.
- For more information or to obtain tickets call 068 554 9635 or 073 927 3578.
