As South Africa observes Women’s Month, the Gauteng Department of Social Development joins communities and institutions across the country in marking Orange Day on August 25, highlighting its commitment to preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV).

Orange Day is observed globally on the 25th of every month as a call to action against violence towards women and girls.

Falling during Women’s Month, this month’s observance provides an opportunity to reflect on the continued work required to protect women and children and to build communities free from violence and abuse.

According to the department, it continues to implement a range of interventions aimed at preventing gender-based violence, supporting survivors and strengthening families and communities.

The department shared that through its social work services, it provides psychosocial support, counselling, referrals and other forms of assistance to survivors of GBV and their families.

The department explained that the social workers and other professionals work directly with individuals and communities to respond to cases of abuse, provide support and link survivors with appropriate services.

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“The Department also conducts community awareness and outreach programmes to educate residents about gender-based violence, child abuse, violence against women and other forms of abuse.

“These initiatives encourage communities to speak out against violence, report cases of abuse and play an active role in prevention,” said the department.

The social development noted that partnerships with Non-Profit Organisations, community-based organisations and other government institutions also remain an important part of its response.

The department said that these partnerships help extend services to communities and strengthen support systems for women, children and other vulnerable groups.

As the country celebrates Women’s Month under the theme ‘Building Social and Economic Resilience of Women for a Better Tomorrow’, the department recognises that protecting women from violence must go hand in hand with creating conditions that enable them to live with dignity, independence and security.

Gauteng MEC for Social Development Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said the fight against GBV remains a priority for the Gauteng Provincial Government and requires sustained action beyond awareness campaigns.

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“Women’s Month reminds us of the progress we have made, but it also reminds us of the work that still needs to be done. We cannot speak about empowering women while women and girls continue to face violence and abuse.

“The Gauteng Provincial Government is and remains committed to strengthening the fight against gender-based violence, supporting survivors and working with communities to prevent violence before it happens.

“Orange Day gives us another opportunity to say clearly that there is no place for gender-based violence in our communities,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.

The department continues to call on communities to reject all forms of violence against women and children and to report abuse to the relevant authorities.

The department said that families, community leaders, civil society organisations and institutions all have a role to play in creating safer environments.

The department highlighted that the observance of Orange Day during Women’s Month is a reminder that the protection, safety and empowerment of women cannot be separated from the fight against gender-based violence.