16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children has kicked off and South Africans are urged to participate and be part of the change against gender based violence. The Department of Community Safety recently hosted a campaign symbolising the beginningof the programme. Different stakeholders including the South African Police Services, actors and activistsagainst gender based violence, abuse survivors, Patrick Shai and Ikhaya Lethemba were part of the initiative.
The programme was launched on 25th November at Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex in Sebokeng and will runtill 10th December, on the last day of the programme the Department will be in a process of reviewing current Provincial violence against women and children strategy to integrate the national plan of action.
The national theme of “Count Me In” will be reflected through participation of all stakeholders taking a pledgeto stand against the war being raged against women and children in Gauteng.
Throughout the awareness campaign, the Department will be hosting dialogues with women and key players in the Criminal Justice System, however, MEC Faith Mazibuko strongly highlighted that the programme will still continue after the 16 Days of Activism and community members should be aware of the consequences of committing GBV.
“We are calling on community members who will be attending and have unresolved cases, to bring their case numbers so we can facilitate the process of understanding why the cases are not resolved, and assist to get a resolution,” said MEC Mazibuko.
Survivors told their stories as they were able to escape from their abusive relationships with the help of Ikhaya Lethemba, the organisation plays a significant role in providing shelter and counselling for survivors against the gender based violence. Patrick Shai spoke about when he used to abuse his wife and how abusers can also come forward and encourage each other as men not to inflict violence against women and children.
“Despite high levels of gender based violence in Gauteng, where high incidents of rape, abuse and killings have steered emotions across all sectors of society. There is a renewed optimism that collectively and united as a people, we can end gender based violence,” added MEC Mazibuko.
