People living with disability support 16 Days of Activism
The Association for people living with disability and the Merewent Cheshire Home were treated to an informative session on ending GBV.
THE Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities in KwaZulu-Natal (APDKZN) in conjunction with the Merewent Cheshire Home held a riveting talk on the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. The event, held at the Eleazer Protective Workshop on the corner of Eksteen and Tifflin Road, focused on raising awareness of gender-based violence (GBV) and its impact on persons living with disabilities.
Also read: Cancer awareness clinic assists people living with disability
Brenda Khanyile, social worker for APDKZN, spoke about the importance of the programme, saying that people with disabilities were just as vulnerable to GBV as able-bodied people. “The programme aimed at raising awareness on GBV perpetrated against persons with disabilities. By working with the community and stakeholders, such as Wentworth Police Station and the Rapid Response Team, we will do better to ensure that perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions,” she said.
The theme for this year’s campaign, Unite to End Violence Against Women and Children, set the tone for the day. Presentations were done on identifying forms of abuse, reporting cases and accessing victim support services.
“Participants, including 60 persons with disabilities, 35 from Eleazer Protective Workshop and 25 from Merewent Cheshire Home, also held a placard demonstration. This was done to sensitise the community, empower those vulnerable and highlight the ills of GBV,” she said.
Khanyile added that it was a very successful programme and that collaboration played a vital role in it. “The presentations and demonstrations gave insight into the issue of GBV; they empowered participants to know their rights and where to get assistance in addressing their problems,” said Khanyile. She emphasised the crucial role of stakeholders.
APDKZN would like to extend their thanks to Merewent Cheshire Home, the Rapid Response Team and Wentworth Police Station. The programme emphasised how united intervention was necessary for addressing violence against women and children, so that they remain safe while being empowered.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
