Bertha Gxowa Care Centre leads GBV awareness march through Germiston CBD

Clinical Forensic Medical Services Bertha Gxowa Care Centre hosted a peaceful march as part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.

Other stakeholders, including the Germiston SAPS, Ekupholeni, Primrose Youth Desk, and Gauteng Province departments, also joined the march.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children is a United Nations campaign observed annually from November 25. It is a global initiative that positions violence against women and children as a critical human rights concern.

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In South Africa, the campaign is central to the government’s broader 365 Days of Activism programme, developed in response to the high levels of gender-based violence and femicide, which the President has described as a national pandemic.

Throughout the 16 days, government departments, civil society organisations, and private-sector partners host a range of community activities to strengthen collective efforts against GBVF.

In line with this, Ekurhuleni Clinical Forensic Medical Services and its partners also conducted awareness campaigns to educate and empower residents.

“Many women still lack awareness of the laws passed to protect them, while others hesitate to report abuse due to fear, financial dependence, or threats from perpetrators,” said Bertha Gxowa Care Centre manager Hazel Moagi.

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“Some victims also delay reporting simply because they do not realise that what they are experiencing is abuse or are unaware of the services available to them through government and NGOs.

Raising awareness in communities such as Germiston and its surrounding areas is essential to reducing the number of women and children affected by abuse.

When survivors report incidents early, they are able to access support from clinicians, social workers, SAPS, and other professionals who deal with gender-based violence and child protection.

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“Community members are encouraged to take action, challenge harmful cultural practices that reinforce gender inequality, and refuse to look away when abuse is taking place.

“Children must be taught the values of gender equality and shielded from exposure to violence and harmful content on digital platforms. The call is for society to unite and actively support the 16 Days of Activism campaign to help create safer environments for women and children,” said Moagi.

Following the march, participants handed out information pamphlets on mental health, gender-based violence, domestic violence, and children’s rights for residents to read. The 5km walk against the abuse of women and children began at the Bertha Gxowa Care Centre, proceeded through the Germiston Taxi Rank, and ended in the Germiston CBD.

Among the speakers was the Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence Coordinator at Germiston SAPS, Sergeant Ramadimeta Ramakolo, who said the start of the 16 Days campaign signals the SAPS’s commitment to refusing any form of criminality or mistreatment of women and children.

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“The station is equipped to handle any abuse reports that come in. We hope that the march will raise much-needed awareness as we head towards the festive season. The station has registered several GBV cases, and we hope to see the numbers decrease across all Ekurhuleni stations.

“In past years, we have seen cases against men as perpetrators increase. There is a lower percentage of men reporting cases when they are ill-treated by women.

“We want all genders to feel free to come to the station and report any cases of GBV or domestic violence,” said Ramakolo.

She added that their door-to-door campaigns emphasise the importance of community partnerships and engagement.

“As the station, every week we identify hotspots where we conduct campaigns. We believe alcohol and drugs influence the high number of these cases.”

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During the campaign, men who often struggle to speak openly about their challenges were encouraged to seek counselling. Ramakolo stressed that the SAPS will not tolerate abuse of any kind.

“With the help of this campaign, we hope to inspire women to take leadership of their homes and unite like the women of 1956. If they are physically abused by men, they should support one another and report the abuse to the station.”

Adding to the discussion, Moagi encouraged rape survivors to seek help within 72 hours of the incident.

“It is vital that a person comes in within that period to receive medical assistance. We can help prevent pregnancy, HIV/Aids, and other illnesses,” she said.

“We stopped at the Germiston Taxi Rank, where our members engaged with taxi drivers and passengers, encouraging men to speak out too. The focus was on capacitating members of the public with information and listening to their challenges.”

Moagi said clinics offer a range of services for both men and women.

“We have mental health nurses and social workers equipped to handle trauma and provide counselling. In cases of rape, we collect medical evidence on behalf of the client. If the client chooses to open a case with SAPS, we can also be called to testify in court.

“Rape is on the rise, especially involving minors. We do not force adults to open cases against perpetrators, but we strongly encourage them to do so when minors are involved,” she said.

The City of Ekurhuleni urged residents to unite and never turn a blind eye to violence against women and children. Assistance is available at the social services offices in the city’s customer care centres, the Stop Gender Violence Helpline at 0800 150 150, or the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre at 0800 428 428.