31/08/2020
Gender-Based Violence refers to violence that targets individuals or groups on the basis of their gender. This is our reality every single day in South Africa. Women and children are violated in their homes, at school, at work and sometimes even in public. Reports have stated that violence against women and children in South Africa is five times higher than the world global range. (IOL)
During the pandemic, the number of cases of domestic violence has almost doubled, with most victims having to live with their perpetrators. President Cyril Ramaphosa declared femicide as a national crisis in September 2019, and yet little to nothing has changed. Who speaks for the victims? Who is fighting for the victims? Femicide is a reminder that our country is in trouble and it is up to all of us to stand together and fight it. The gruesome killings of Tshegofatso P**e in Roodepoort and Sanelisiwe Mfaba in Dobsonville, Soweto caused outrage and a huge debate but why has there been no change.
It has been left up to us to find our own way to survive in the cruelty and real-world that is South Africa. Women now have to be extra vigilant about their whereabouts and use caution against people they are not friendly with or familiar with. This past weekend saw a march in different cities around the country. More and more people are standing up, marching in the hopes that the government, someone, will put a stop to the women and children of this country crying, disappearing and being violated every day. As a country we need to stand together, men need to stand up and put a stop to the senseless violence. Communities are urged to please report all incidents of Gender-Based Violence cases to the Crime Stop Hotline on 0860 010 0111, send an anonymous SMS to 32211 or call the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre at 0800 428 428.
Written by: Nwabisa Ngaba
Photo cred: Yanda Sonjica
