About Us
What We Do?
1) Sheltering
As one of our core frontline services, POWA provides shelters for clients and their children who have been victims of GBV. We have two emergency shelters on Johannesburg’s West Rand and East Rand. While the West Rand shelter accommodates 10 women and their children, the one on the East Rand houses 20 women and their kids. Survivors are accommodated for up to a year…1) Sheltering
As one of our core frontline services, POWA provides shelters for clients and their children who have been victims of GBV. We have two emergency shelters on Johannesburg’s West Rand and East Rand. While the West Rand shelter accommodates 10 women and their children, the one on the East Rand houses 20 women and their kids. Survivors are accommodated for up to a year…2) Counselling Services
POWA provides face-to-face, group and telephonic counselling and referrals at our six branch offices as well as counselling through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to women who have experienced violence. Our offices are strategically located in economically disadvantaged communities and the Johannesburg inner city for easy to access services…
2) Counselling Services
POWA provides face-to-face, group and telephonic counselling and referrals at our six branch offices as well as counselling through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to women who have experienced violence. Our offices are strategically located in economically disadvantaged communities and the Johannesburg inner city for easy to access services…
3) Legal Department
As part of POWA’s commitment to ensuring abused women have access to their legal rights, we aim to provide quality, comprehensive women-centred legal services and engage in national and regional advocacy for the protection and promotion of women’s rights. We have a survivor-centred approach and strive for a safe and equal society intolerant of all forms of violence against women and girls…
3) Legal Department
As part of POWA’s commitment to ensuring abused women have access to their legal rights, we aim to provide quality, comprehensive women-centred legal services and engage in national and regional advocacy for the protection and promotion of women’s rights. We have a survivor-centred approach and strive for a safe and equal society intolerant of all forms of violence against women and girls…
4) Outreach & Media
Part of the responsibilities of all branch offices is to partner with various entities within communities like the South African Police Service, Child Welfare and the Department of Social Development to raise awareness on numerous aspects of gender-based violence as well as POWA services and rights education, with a specific focus on women’s rights and access to justice…4) Outreach & Media
Part of the responsibilities of all branch offices is to partner with various entities within communities like the South African Police Service, Child Welfare and the Department of Social Development to raise awareness on numerous aspects of gender-based violence as well as POWA services and rights education, with a specific focus on women’s rights and access to justice…5) Advocacy
Keeping the gender based violence sector and other related and relevant sectors informed about violence against women and gender based violence is essential in ensuring that responses address the needs of women in South Africa and the sub-region. The overall goal of the research department is to create and continually update feminist knowledge on violence and against women in order to inform and ensure effective women-centred interventions and provide information to the wider community…
5) Advocacy
Keeping the gender based violence sector and other related and relevant sectors informed about violence against women and gender based violence is essential in ensuring that responses address the needs of women in South Africa and the sub-region. The overall goal of the research department is to create and continually update feminist knowledge on violence and against women in order to inform and ensure effective women-centred interventions and provide information to the wider community…
6) Training & Development
Keeping the gender based violence sector and other related and relevant sectors informed about violence against women and gender based violence is essential in ensuring that responses address the needs of women in South Africa and the sub-region. The overall goal of the research department is to create and continually update feminist knowledge on violence and against women in order to inform and ensure effective women-centred interventions and provide information to the wider community…
6) Training & Development
Keeping the gender based violence sector and other related and relevant sectors informed about violence against women and gender based violence is essential in ensuring that responses address the needs of women in South Africa and the sub-region. The overall goal of the research department is to create and continually update feminist knowledge on violence and against women in order to inform and ensure effective women-centred interventions and provide information to the wider community…
Our History
POWA was formed in 1979 by a group of women volunteers to provide referral services and shelter to women experiencing domestic violence. POWA was the first organisation to establish a shelter for abused women in 1981…
POWA was formed in 1979 by a group of women volunteers to provide referral services and shelter to women experiencing domestic violence. POWA was the first organisation to establish a shelter for abused women in 1981…
Our Vision & Mission Statements
Mission
To be a feminist organisation that provides professional services that comprise advocacy, training, psycho-social support, legal and sheltering to survivors of violence. POWA is committed to enhancing the quality of life of all women and girls.Transformed Into…
Vision
A safe and equal society intolerant of all forms of violence against women and girls in all our diversity, where we are treated with respect and dignity and our rights are promoted.Our Achievements
Over the years, some of our notable achievements have included:
Over the years, some of our notable achievements have included:
POWA established the first shelter in 1981; the first of its kind that accommodated women and their children.
In 2009, POWA established the first Gauteng-based second stage (or transitional) housing scheme for women.
Building the capacity of emerging organisations in all nine provinces, which in turn leads to better access for women from rural and under-resourced areas.
Ensuring greater access to justice and legal services for women.
Jozi Award Community Development Award 2015: POWA.
Gauteng Department of Social Development MEC Mazibuko 2015 Gauteng Care Givers Awards: POWA.
In recognition of women for making a difference by contributing positively towards moving Gauteng City Region Forward Human Rights & Democracy Award 2004 Gender Equality Award Organisational category: POWA.
Contributing to the law – making process around the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act and to monitoring the implementation of these laws.
Ensuring women have greater economic independence through providing skills development and income generation infrastructure.
POWA established the first shelter in 1981; the first of its kind that accommodated women and their children.
In 2009, POWA established the first Gauteng-based second stage (or transitional) housing scheme for women.
Building the capacity of emerging organisations in all nine provinces, which in turn leads to better access for women from rural and under-resourced areas.
Ensuring greater access to justice and legal services for women.
Jozi Award Community Development Award 2015: POWA.
Gauteng Department of Social Development MEC Mazibuko 2015 Gauteng Care Givers Awards: POWA.
In recognition of women for making a difference by contributing positively towards moving Gauteng City Region Forward Human Rights & Democracy Award 2004 Gender Equality Award Organisational category: POWA.
Contributing to the law – making process around the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act and to monitoring the implementation of these laws.
Ensuring women have greater economic independence through providing skills development and income generation infrastructure.
Board Members
Our board consists of the following members:
Our board consists of the following members:
Our Staff
POWA staff include social workers, social auxiliary workers, a Legal Manager, Legal Assistant, a Communications Manager, housemothers, cooks, a caretaker, driver, administration staff and volunteers.
POWA staff include social workers, social auxiliary workers, a Legal Manager, Legal Assistant, a Communications Manager, housemothers, cooks, a caretaker, driver, administration staff and volunteers.
Partners & Collaborators
- Central Gauteng Lions Partnership
- Nom Nom Jewels
- Joe Public Johannesburg
- Black River FC
- Havas
- ...
- Central Gauteng Lions Partnership
- Nom Nom Jewels
- Joe Public Johannesburg
- Black River FC
- Havas
- ...