Local NPO on a mission to educate women about gender-based violence
DIEPSLOOT– The event was aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence and educating women about their rights.
A local non-profit organisation recently hosted a gender-based violence workshop to equip local women with vital information.
Green Door Women’s Shelter which provides a safe shelter and support for victims of rape and domestic violence.
Brown Lekekela, the founder of Green Door, said the event, held in Diepsloot on August 13, was aimed at raising awareness and educate women about their rights. “As part of the Women’s Month celebration, Green Door Shelter has decided to embark on a trail of awareness campaigns about gender-based violence pandemic,” he said.
“Our nation is battling with the scourge for some time and women are at the receiving end of it. We will use this month to teach women, young and old how to fight the scourge within legal frames.”
Lekekela explained that the organisation wants to empower women as some who seek help and shelter at the facility don’t know what to do or where to report domestic violence cases. He said, “Most victims of gender-based violence don’t report cases to the police. Some are afraid because their abusers are close family members and breadwinners in their households. They are afraid to report them and some don’t know where to go.
“Through these workshops, we want to empower them with knowledge and information to use in case they find themselves caught in abuse.”
Mavis Rapawu, who attended the workshop for the first time, said it helped her understand a number of things about gender-based violence. “The workshop was an eye-opener and very informative. I learned that gender-based violence starts with things that we regard as minor things. Now, I know where to go if I find myself in an abusive situation,” Rapawu concluded.
