INTEGRATED SECTORAL PROGRAMMES (ISP): WOMEN

Local heroines dedicate their lives and energies working towards improving the conditions of their communities and bringing about change, even though in their efforts they are directly affected by the injustices they strive to eradicate. This Integrated Sectoral Programme (ISP) focuses primarily on the women-led organisations that serve as a community response to gender injustices-specifically, abuse, violence against women, HIV/Aids, and eradication of poverty.  

By strengthening these women-led organisations, the women themselves will become more capacitated and empowered, the organisations will be better run, and their response to the violation of these basic rights of women will be more effective and impacting.

Women at grassroots level particularly, are still the worst marginalized than their ‘upwardly mobile' counterparts. These women in spite, most of whom are illiterate or semi-illiterate, start up organisations in their communities, both as a means to serve and as a response to the specific needs identified within their communities. 90% of the CBO's we work with are run by, led by and initiated by women.

We work closely together with well known gender organisations on the ISP women's programme, like the South African Media and Gender Institute (SAMGI), FAMSA and Sizakuyenza.

In August 2010 Community Connections organised a Women's Week, together with SAMGI, Beautiful Gate, Sizakuyenza, Abalimi Bezekaya and the Women's Legal Centre. The week focused on women led organisations who are active in the gender justice sector and provided workshops on several relevant gender issues such as HIV/Aids, Abuse and women economic empowerment.

The ISP seeks to achieve the following:

• Improved government response to the realities of women
• Women in society are better positioned to lobby and advocate for their rights
• There is an accessible and effective platform for women to actively engage with key stakeholders in issues affecting women
• Women-based organisations are strengthened internally and are coordinated to provide better service delivery