Picture: The Uniting Reformed Church in Taung calls on GBV victims to speak up/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Uniting Reformed Church (URC) in Taung said it will intensify the fight against abuse of Women and Children. On Saturday, the church embarked on a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign to create awareness. The chairperson of Uniting Reformed Church’s youth structure in Hopetown, Northern Cape, Michelle Moss said the awareness campaign is essential because it will assist those who experience the abuse to speak up. She further said that GBV is a societal issue that needs everyone’s attention.
“We have hosted Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign to create awareness for future generations. This is a quest to ensure that, GBV is eradicated and we go back to the time where we can walk freely without any fear of being attacked.
“So, it is imperative to shape our children as they are the leaders of tomorrow. They should know that, there is a safer future waiting for them,” she said.
A social worker from Pudimoe Crisis Centre, Karabo Gaselebelwe shared the same sentiments. Gaselebelwe said, that as the centre, they ensure that the victims of GBV receive the necessary support.
“We are indeed in support of this campaign. The aim is to create awareness against abuse of Women and Children. So, as the centre, we provide accommodation to the victims of GBV and we are grateful that, we receive full support from the government.
“We receive a stipend from the North West Department of Social Development. We are also working together with other stakeholders such as SAPS, North West Department of Health and others,” she said.
One of the co-founders of the GBV campaign at Uniting Reformed Church (URC), Mathwai Gaanabo said: “It was important to form a GBV campaign in our church because people tend to forget that, things like these can also affect churchgoers.
“Unfortunately, one of our youth in Maquassi Hills was raped by five men. That alone encouraged us to come up with this initiative and create awareness. We cannot fold our hands while heinous crimes are happening within the church.”
Gaanabo further said churches at large need to discuss this and not only focus on the bible. He added that working with other stakeholders will be fruitful and change the mindsets of many people.
“If we create the platform, those who have experienced that can be able to come forward and share their stories. This will also encourage those perpetrators to realise what they are doing is inhumane too,” said Gaanabo.
Meanwhile, the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile said the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign is a United Nations campaign, which is held annually from 25 November (International Day for No Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
Mashatile said other key commemorative days observed annually during these 16 days, include World Aids Day on 1 December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary since South Africa initiated the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign. The 16 Days campaign focuses on raising awareness of the devastating impact that GBVF has on women and children, and the social fabric of our society.
“The campaign Was launched on 25 November 2023 in Mpumalanga Province and the theme for the 16 Days of Activism Campaign for 2023 was: “Accelerating actions to end Gender-Based Violence & Femicide: leaving no one behind”. The sub-theme for this year is: “Safe access for women to clean water: a basic human right”,” he said.
The Guardian 