GBV awareness campaign for people living with disabilities
The objective of the campaign is to raise awareness and engage the community of Mamelodi on issues of GBV, substance abuse as well as mental health.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) recently engaged with community organisations in Mamelodi on gender-based violence (GBV) issues.
The department, led by its rights of persons with disabilities branch, met with organisations working with persons with disabilities in and around the area; key government departments; and the disability sector at large on issues faced by youths with disabilities in South Africa.
Department spokesperson Shalen Gajadhar said the objective of the campaign was to raise awareness and engage the community of Mamelodi on issues of GBV, substance abuse as well as mental health.
The engagement comes shortly after the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children campaign under the theme: The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke: 16 Days of Activism – moving from awareness to accountability.
“The visit takes place as we move into week four of the campaign,” said Gajadhar.
The plan of action on the day included visits to service delivery points to assess, showcase and promote accessible services for persons with disabilities.
One-hour community engagement sessions brought activities of the day to a conclusion. These sessions were attended by various units of the SAPS, NPA, the Department of Justice and Correctional Services, the Department of Health and the Department of Social Development.
They all shared important information and material with the community of women, youth and persons with disabilities.
DWYPD supported the development of persons with disabilities’ capacities. It did this by providing them with a common platform to exchange and share their experiences. It also provided information on disability for their members on existing services and facilitates.
All the stakeholders met at Mamelodi East police station and moved to Baviaanspoort Correctional Services, Thuthuzela and Cosup treatment centres at Mamelodi hospital.
The programme ended with an engagement with the communities of Lusaka, Stoffelpark and Alaska informal settlements in Lusaka.
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