2011 Report - Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children

T
his year, as I reflect on Women’s Month, it is hard
not to feel despondent that more has not changed
for the better for women and children in South
Africa. In fact, it feels as if the situation in our country is
at a low point politically, morally and economically and
women are usually the first to feel the negative - and often
violent - impact of this.
However, it is not my aim in this report to present an entirely
gloomy picture. Despite the reality in which we live, there is
a huge amount of work done by individuals, organisations
and businesses that deserves recognition for the positive
impact it has on women’s lives. And of course, this includes
the achievements of the Saartjie Baartman Centre in Cape
Town and Eerste Begin in Worcester.
The ‘new look’ Saartjie Baartman Centre that started to take
shape early in 2011, is, in my opinion, a revitalised and
positive place where the vision and mission of the Centre
are being realised. When the One-Stop Centre began all
those years ago in 1999, there was an energy and focus
on meeting the needs of abused women and children in
a holistic, caring and safe way. I wish us all to be inspired
by that vision of a place where women can come and feel
safe and secure to be helped in a myriad of different ways –
legal, medical and emotional – and to continue to strive for
this goal. It is not easy given the circumstances of limited
resources and limited political will and support, but it is a
goal worth fighting for.
Some of the highlights of this past year have been the
production of Beyond the Shadow, the digital diaries
DVD that is incredibly moving and informative. The many
campaigns and events held for women and about women
include, among others, the 16 days of Activism, Women’s
Day, Air your Dirty Laundry and the Trinity Club event.
01
These events are important for affirming abused women and
Chairperson
of the Board’s
Report
children, and for raising public awareness about violence
against women.
It is important to remember that the work and these events
could not happen without sound organisation behind them,
and in 2011, the SBC staff are cementing good practices
around internal human resource practices, financial
management, research and administration. I would like to
highlight the incredible volume of work done by the Centre
– with limited resources – and to thank the staff for their
energy and commitment.
Financial resources are vital to keep the wheels turning and
again, enormous appreciation goes to the Director, Synnov
Skorge, who carries the load of worry and responsibility for
fundraising, and is so successful in keeping SBC afloat. I also
want to thank each and every staff member, especially for
pulling together earlier in the year when the situation was
difficult with fewer staff and uncertainty around finances.
Gratitude also goes to our funders and donors, volunteers
and supporters, partner organisations and government
departments. Last, but certainly not least, I thank my
colleagues on the Board. I appreciate your willingness to
give up your valuable time for many meetings; to discuss
issues openly and constructively; and even when there are
tough decisions to make, to put foremost the interests of the
women and children who the SBC serves.
As always, it is my privilege and honour to be part of an
organisation that I regard so highly – thank you for entrusting
me with this job. I am both proud of, and humbled by, the
women of the Saartjie Baartman Centre.
Gillian Kerchhoff
October 2011
2011 Annual Review
05