In a strong partnership geared towards uplifting women and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), Midvaal Local Municipality (MLM) partnered with Agape Lerato Community Services, launching Women’s Month through an event themed “Woman, wear your crown”.

The event brought together a range of stakeholders, including the SAPS, the local Business Chamber, skills development centre, healthcare professionals and non-governmental organisations, all working together to provide support and resources to survivors.

Speaking to Ster North, Vangile Ndlebe from Agape said the aim was to bring survivors and victims in the same room to learn from each other.

“Some of the women present at the event are still in abusive relationships; I aimed to empower them and help them see that they too can become authors of their own stories by being independent and creating a life and income for themselves.”

Ndlebe says most women in communities are afraid to leave abusive relationships because some of them are provided for by the men who abuse them. Participants received motivational messages, healthcare advice and information on empowerment opportunities for personal development.

Ndlebe says that it is important for women to find safe spaces where they can talk openly about their experiences without being judged.

“I’m so grateful to Midvaal for the partnership. They have also created a platform for us to work with the Midvaal Skills Development Centre. This is an opportunity for these women to gain skills and be able to create an income for themselves.”

Ndlebe said that this has always been her dream, to create spaces where women are supported through their journey to independence.During the event, MLM Mayor Peter Teixeira reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to ending gender-based violence.

“I pledge that we will continue to do more and give more so that every woman, every child and every victim of gender-based violence knows that there is support available for them. One victim is one too many, and one life lost is one too many. Until every person can live free from fear, our work is not done.”

He highlighted that Midvaal is a caring municipality, citing that it remains committed to working with all stakeholders to prevent gender-based violence, support survivors, and to create safe communities.