MATSAPHA: His Majesty’s Correctional Services hosted a Gender Network session for Imbali at the Staff College in Matsapha on Tuesday, focusing on the wellbeing and personal development of young girls ahead of the Umhlanga Reed Dance.
The engagement was officially opened by Deputy Commandant Senior Assistant Commissioner Kenneth Dlamini, who welcomed the girls and presenters and encouraged them to participate freely in the programme.
Senior officers in attendance included Assistant Commissioner Takhona Motsa, who represented Commissioner Phindile Sibandze, Assistant Commissioner Futhi Mhlanga and other HMCS officers. 
The programme covered life skills, self awareness, emotional intelligence, mental health and menstrual hygiene.
The organisers said the topics were selected to prepare the girls for Umhlanga while also giving them knowledge and confidence they could use beyond the national cultural event.
Presenters from the Guidance and Counselling Office in the Ministry of Education spoke to the girls about understanding themselves, making informed choices and taking responsibility for their decisions as young women.
Zodwa Gama addressed the participants on communication skills and encouraged them to speak up when they felt uncomfortable or unsafe.
She told the girls that saying no was a complete response and that no one had the right to force them into situations they did not accept.
“NO is a complete sentence,” Gama told the girls.
Ayanda Simelane reinforced the message by speaking about self respect, confidence and the importance of resisting peer pressure.
She urged the girls to recognise their value and make decisions that protect their wellbeing.
Manzini Regional Schools Health Nurse Nontethelelo Vilakati led the session on menstrual hygiene.
She advised the girls to take extra care of themselves during their periods and to follow healthy hygiene practices.
Nakiwe Dlamini from the Public Sector HIV and AIDS Coordinating Committee spoke about mental health and shared practical ways of managing stress and difficult emotions.
The Gender Network forms part of HMCS programmes aimed at supporting the development and protection of the girl child.
