As the country commemorates Women’s Month, South African citizens, especially women, are encouraged to help stop the scourge of violence against women by speaking out.
Government also called on faith based organisations (FBOs), including traditional leaders, community leaders and women’s organisations, to stand up against violence, drug abuse and other social ills, 365 days of the year.
In supporting the fight against abuse, government has initiated a number of interventions aimed at helping survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). These include the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) and National Dialogues for No Violence against Women and Children, amongst others.
GBV Command Centre
Launched in March 2014, the command centre is a 24-hour call centre dedicated to providing support and counselling to victims.
The toll free number to call to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling is 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV). Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone.
Dialogues
The National Dialogues for No Violence against Women and Children are a platform for deepening democracy, while ensuring safer and crime-free communities, especially for women and children.
The objective of the dialogues is to assist the Department of Women and government to best understand the nature and causes of the scourge of femicide, rape and violence against women and children in order to inform government’s response and course of action.
The national dialogues have already been rolled out in the provinces as part of the #365 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.
During the month, the Minister for Women in the Presidency, Susan Shabangu, will visit and engage with various stakeholders including FBOs, gender activists, NGOs, youth formations, traditional leaders and the business sector to create awareness on issues of GBV.
The visits and engagements with communities and stakeholders will be used to solicit partnerships for the fight against GBV.
#100MenMarch
Government also urged citizens pledge their support for the 100 Men March by signing an online petition which is accessible through the link: https://www.gopetition.com/petitions/100-men-march.html.
As part of the centenary celebrations of the late former President Nelson Mandela and struggle stalwart Mama Albertina Sisulu, government and various social partners recently hosted a national #100MenMarch to stop violence against women and children.
The march drew at least 100 men from various sectors of society such as government, business, labour, faith-based organisations, non-profit and media organisations to stop the abuse of women and children.
In the spirit of #ThumaMina, various formations have heeded the call by President Cyril Ramaphosa that all citizens should take a stand to stop violence against women and children. – SAnews.gov.za
