Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) reflected on issues facing women and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) community during this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations.

RWCLM marked the 2022 International Women’s Day at Ace Ntsoelengoe Stadium in Mohlakeng on Thursday March 10 under the theme #BreakTheBias.

In a media statement issued by Caroline Setsiba from the office of the RWCLM Executive Mayor, Councillor Gladys Khoza, Covid-19 impacted countries worldwide and everyone had to adapt to the new normal.

There are lessons and regrets that remain with humanity as a result of the pandemic. South Africa has also just emerged from Local Government Elections which affected society, either positively, or negatively,” Setsiba said.

In the same statement, she added that gender-based violence and issues affecting the LGBTQI community have become more prevalent and should be treated as of the highest importance.

“Based on these factors, RWCLM saw it fit to bring the community together in an effort to restore the moral fibre in the community, to reassure and restore confidence, and assert the relationship between communities and the municipality,” Setsiba concluded.