The first presidential campaign protesting violence against women and children within the Ward 115 district was launched at Norscot Recreation Centre on 24 August.
The event was a platform for women, men and children to empower each other in the prevention of violence. A representative, Sakina Mohammed from POWA (People Against Women Abuse), emphasised the fact that victims of abuse need a voice. “Together with Sonke Gender Justice we have a specified men’s forum. The organisation deals with men who go through abuse. It removes the notion that men cannot be abused, and allows them to speak out,” said Mohammed.
Guest speaker Buhle Dlamini reassured everyone that it was not the number of people that attended the campaign that mattered, but the difference thereafter. “We need to focus on all kinds of abuse, be it men, women or even drug abuse. This campaign should target all the issues affecting our community. We need to also look at the role men play in society. It is not the problem of one organisation or group of people, but the problem of everyone,” said Dlamini.
ANC secretary for Ward 115 Tiyani Mohlaba stated that although the event was held by the ANC and other supporting organisations like the police and the Zazi campaign, people need to be aware of the campaign’s aims to highlight the fact that violence affects everyone. “If people are willing to put aside their political views, then we can all work together to run this campaign,” said Mohlaba.
Rape victim Lerato Tsamai read a page from her book entitled, The Unspoken Journey, and shared her thoughts and feelings about rape. “Today we have different platforms to report rape. Technology has made it easier for us to speak out. Victims need to speak out so they can be helped. I am very happy about this campaign,” said Tsamai.
