AmaZulu King, minister lead march against gender-based violence in Durban
Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga and His Majesty King Misuzulu KaZwelithini lead the ‘Men Unite Against Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) March on Friday, December 6 in the streets of Durban.
AS the country continues to observe the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the Minister of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga participated in a Men’s Unite March Against GBVF event which took place in the streets of Durban today.
The march was followed by a formal engagement programme where His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini delivered the keynote address to scores of men of all ages.
The Men’s Unite March is a civil society initiative led by The Good Men Foundation. The collaboration between government and civil society is a demonstration of bringing to life the 16 Days of Activism theme which calls for advancing collective action in ending violence against women and children.
Also read: 16 Days of Activism raise alarm on gender-based violence and femicide
“Gender-based violence and femicide is not a minor novel societal challenge occurring in certain pockets of society. It is a pervasive global social justice issue which transcends race, class, religion and geographical location,” said Chikunga.
“The alarming high rates of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa make being a woman in South Africa more dangerous than being in war-torn areas. South Africa continues to have alarmingly high levels of GBVF. The Criminal Justice System cannot end GBVF, but it is men who can end it,” added Minister Chikunga.
She concluded, “The government has over the years brought forward several strategies to fight against GBVF by introducing extensive legal reform; support for survivors through the provision of evidence kits at police stations; psychological and social services; the establishment of a GBVF Response Fund and support for Thuthuzela and Khuseleka Care Centres, which provide vital services for GBV survivors. The broader spectrum of gender-based violence is rooted in interrelated patriarchal inequities, political economy and power relations.”
The march was concluded with various music performances.
For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
