Women from the Design God’s Nature (DGN) Save an African Child Initiative took to the streets on Friday, 28 August to end this year’s Women’s Month on a powerful note.

DGN is non-governmental organisation in the victim-empowerment sector that renders an integrated, specialised and professional service to perpetrators and victims. The issue of gender-based violence has been one of the main focus areas during lockdown, and DGN wished to take a stand with their mini women’s conference.

That day, 50 women that included both perpetrators and victims marched from the DGN offices at 19 Human Street to the Christhood Chapel on Burger Street.

At the front of this march were two women bound in shackles as a symbol of women being held captive by their pain, their hatred and their suicidal thoughts because of the abuse they have endured, and their inability to speak out and free themselves. But while only a handful of women could join the march, thousands joined in on different media platforms to stand in solidarity for the cause virtually.

The women were dressed in black wearing doeks to pay tribute to the women and children who have died as a result of domestic or gender-based violence, and also to stand with survivors. Carrying banners with different slogans, the women sang solemnly. The theme of the day was ‘Taking ownership of her power and happiness’. Testament to this were the guest speakers Prophetess Nosi Mbowa; Mrs Africa Worldwide, Naomi Molema, former perpetrator, Mamosa Kok; abuse survivor, Nomasonto Matyila; and Miss Legacy South Africa 2020, Amogelang Matsele who is an ambassador for DGN as well.

The campaign was spearheaded by DGN social worker, Nomaswazi Radebe, who said it was high time women get freed from the chains holding them captive, and that they should take ownership of their power and happiness to build themselves and others.

Lazarros Chavalala, the programme manager recited poems to the audience and encouraged men and women to make use of the programmes DGN offers.

Closing off the day, Donald Nyirenda, founder and CEO of the DGN Save an African Child Initiative encouraged women to support those who are going through difficult times and emulate the women who marched to the Union Buildings chanting, wathinta abafazi wathinta imbokodo meaning ‘You strike a woman, you strike a rock’. He also thanked guests and staff, as well as President Hyper for donating bottled water and some snacks.