Phoenix CPF celebrates women’s role in local crime prevention - IOL

The Phoenix CPF has a strong female contingency leading the fight against crime in the community.

As Women’s Month draws to a close, female crime-fighting representatives from the Phoenix Community Police Forum (CPF) met last weekend to highlight the evolving role of women in local crime-prevention initiatives.

The event brought together women representing the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Phoenix CPF, the Youth CPF, Community in Blue, first responders, private security companies, spiritual crime-prevention structures, non-governmental organisations, and local activists.

Speaking at the event, CPF member Famedha Ashanand highlighted the shift towards proactive community involvement among local women.

"We are no longer waiting to be protected. We have taken charge of our own safety and the safety of our community," Ashanand said.

"We are speaking up, reporting suspicious activity, educating others, and taking an active role in making our neighbourhoods safer. We are looking out for one another and, importantly, for our children, our elderly, and vulnerable members of our community."

Community member Nasreen Sheik noted that women are increasingly taking part in active safety measures across Phoenix, including street patrols, reporting incidents, and sharing information with law enforcement.

Phoenix CPF interim chairperson Valencia Pillay stressed that the gathering served a practical purpose beyond socialising, aimed at strengthening working relationships among local safety structures.

"Community safety is built on relationships, trust, and communication," Pillay said.

"When our partners, businesses, volunteers, and community members come together outside of formal meetings, we strengthen the relationships that enable us to work more effectively together when our communities need us most."

Pillay added that community unity remains central to driving local crime-prevention efforts.

"When women stand together, communities become stronger. When women lead, communities move forward. And when communities unite, change becomes possible," she said.