Campaign against GBVF gains momentum in Durban
Durban unites in a powerful Positive Masculinity march led by Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga to combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
Voices united in a powerful stand against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga led a Positive Masculinity Campaign in Durban aimed at inspiring men and boys to become protectors, allies, and agents of change in the fight against violence inflicted on women and children.
The campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, began at uShaka Marine World before participants made their way to Bay of Plenty Beach in a symbolic march for hope, healing, and justice.
Against the backdrop of rising cases of violence and the heartbreaking loss of countless women and children across South Africa, the campaign carries a message that silence can no longer be an option. Communities are being called upon to confront harmful social norms that continue to fuel abuse, fear, and suffering in homes and public spaces.
Chikunga urged men and boys to reject violence and embrace values of respect, accountability, compassion, and dignity. The initiative seeks to redefine masculinity by encouraging positive male role models who stand against abuse and become champions for safer communities.
“This project highlights positive masculinity by encouraging boys and men to express their emotions openly. Showing emotion isn’t a weakness. Boys and girls deserve to be treated equally,” Chikunga highlighted.
Also Read: The City’s journey into healing GBV victims
The programme also aims to strengthen public awareness, community mobilisation, and behavioural change while promoting co-ordinated efforts to prevent and respond to GBVF. Community leaders, young people, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, traditional leaders, and men’s formations are expected to join hands in a united front against violence. “This campaign is not just a march, it is a cry for change,” she said.
For many survivors and grieving families, the campaign represents more than a public gathering. It is a reminder that behind every statistic is a life shattered by trauma, a child robbed of safety, and a family left carrying unbearable pain.
As participants walked from uShaka Marine World to Bay of Plenty Beach, the message was clear: ending GBVF is everyone’s responsibility, and lasting change begins when communities choose courage, compassion, and collective action over silence.
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