March shines the light on GBV in Germiston
The march started from Delport informal settlement, through Primrose CBD and made last stop at Makause informal settlement.
Ekurhuleni Clinical Forensic Medical Services (Bertha Gxowa Care Centre), together with various stakeholders, held a peaceful GBV and substance abuse march as part of Human Rights Month.
The march began in Delport informal settlement, continued through Primrose CBD, and ended at Makause informal settlement.
Along the route, people held placards with messages imploring the community to put an end to gender-based violence.
ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni Aerobics Festival brings GBV awareness to Germiston
Primrose SAPS, City of Ekurhuleni mayor’s office, Department of COGTA, Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Red Cross, Ekupholeni, Primrose Youth Desk, Pruning to Perfection (P2P), Ray of Hope Foundation, Department of Community Safety, NICRO, Health WBOT Team, Gauteng Traffic Wardens, CPF, CHWs, and Kitso Lesedi Youth Development all participated in the march, raising their voices on the streets.
“Information pamphlets were distributed to communities as part of the Human Rights Month campaign.
The campaign’s goal is to increase awareness about GBV, femicide, and substance abuse.
“The community should be informed of their rights as enshrined in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights,” said Bertha Gxowa Care Centre manager Hazel Moagi.
“There are pieces of law in existence to help combat gender-based violence and femicide, including the Domestic Violence Act, the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act, and the Prevention and Combating Trafficking of Persons Act.
“Everyone is entitled to freedom and security. The vulnerable in society require protection. Feminicide must be stopped as everyone has the right to life.
“We are here to encourage community members to report incidents of gender-based violence to the nearest health facilities or police stations as soon as possible.
ALSO READ: Gauteng Health condemns the scourge of GBV
“We call rape a medical emergency, and it must be reported as quickly as possible, within 72 hours. It is also critical to report incidents of intimate partner violence and get assistance as soon as feasible.
“Social workers are available in health facilities and police stations to assist with counselling,” said Moagi.
