Call to end the scourge of GBVF in Alex

Rays of Hope believes concrete steps are needed to end the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide in Alexandra, which is considered as one of the major hotspots in the City of Johannesburg’s jurisdiction.

The NPO’s posters and protests against the scourge are part of the society’s desperate cries for help on various platforms – but talking about it on a one-on-one basis could possibly help in addressing this other pandemic [GBVF] in the country after the deadly Covid-19.

This is according to Jacob Tema, a social worker at Rays of Hope, which is a non-profit organisation that offers several upliftment programmes to the Alexandra community including, more recently, support for GBVF victims and GBVF community education.

“In our work over the last 30 years, Rays of Hope has seen that everyone in the community has a role to play in addressing and responding to issues of violence against women,” Tema said.

Rays of Hope plays an active role in this by sharing information, because once people are empowered with information about their rights, and what support is available to them, they can take action to change their circumstances, Tema said.

Rays of Hope recently hosted a candlelit vigil against gender-based violence in Alexandra, and was supported by a series of speakers, musicians, and traditional bodies, each of whom had a specific message for those attending.

“So many people understand what GBV is, but this event showed how everyone has talents that they can use to stop it, while addressing traditions and taboos that have either worsened it, or prevented many from taking action to stop it,” Tema said.

Tema acknowledges that women in poverty struggle to leave abusive relationships, as their aggressors are frequently their only source of financial stability and leaving them would also have significant consequences for any children involved.