Municipality prioritises women during a dialogue

Zodwa Ngubeni (Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality communications officer) 
Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality, together with the Department of Arts & Culture, condemn the series of gender-based violence incidents that broke out in the country.

ALSO READ: Mayor addresses nature conservation, heritage and endangered species

On September 18 a stakeholders’ engagement convened in the form of a dialogue to discuss female-related matters.
Mayor Jabulile Mbele, addressing the women in attendance at the dialogue, said:

“A woman is the most powerful and beautiful creation of God. Behind a man’s existence is a woman. Every woman is special, whether she is working at home or in the office, or doing both. She plays an integral part in the upbringing of children and managing their home effectively.

Women should be respected not because they are women, but also because they are individuals with their own identity. Men are supposed to protect women in and out of their places of abode. The direct opposite is happening; women of all ages are dying at the hands of those who are known and those closest to them. Enough is enough.”

Mrs Mbele was accompanied by Councillor ZP Skhosana, and LAC Deputy Chairperson Mrs X Msimango, from Thembalethu, spoke on the power imbalance between men and women. She said this power imbalance exists because community members are unaware, accept it or are just silent about it.

She continued to say that for this situation to change, we need to begin by changing ourselves – in order for men and women to enjoy the same rights and freedoms, there is a need for both sides to adopt gender equitable behaviours.

Cllr Skhosana encouraged women to stand up against violence; she told the people in attendance that survivors must know that they have a right to live free from violence and speak to suspected perpetrators of gender-based violence to let them know that violence is unacceptable and has negative impacts.

Civil society should try to work with the community to raise awareness about gender-based violence in the wider community.

SEE MORE: Integrated Development Plan budget presented to Ward five

Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter