Dialogue held at loveLove Y-Centre

Violence directed to women and children was the topic for the days during a dialogue held recently.

The dialogue was part of the 16 Days of Activism on No Violence against Women and Children organised by the office of the executive mayor through the Transversal Unit under Mrs Trudy Xhala-Mavimbela.

Ms Tryphina ‘Queen T’ Nhlapho addressing during the dialogue on abuse of women and children held at the loveLove Y-Centre on Wednesday, November 28.

Different stakeholders took part during the different activities. The dialogue was held at the loveLove Y-Centre on Wednesday, November 28.

The different types of abuses were explained to the people and the people were urged to speak out against all forms of abuse. It was pointed out that it starts with one individual to spread the message across.

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Raising awareness for violence against women

Ms Tryphina ‘Queen T’ Nhlapho addressing pointed out that she was raised by her father and they formed a very good bond and she could tell him everything. Ms Nhlapho also relates a story of a woman staying in Phola whose husband raped their child.

“We are living in a sick society, as Africans we believe that children are raised by the whole village but not these days. A child must remain a child not to be abused but to be loved, supported and be cared for. We need to make noise about all forms of abuses and violence against women and children, it must stop today and must stop now,” said Ms Nhlapho.

Mr Frank Sithole chairman of the eMalahleni Men’s Forum addressing during the dialogue on the abuse of women and children held at the loveLove Y-Centre on Wednesday, November 28.

Mr Frank Sithole, chairman of the eMalahleni Men’s Forum urged men to stand and be counted and stand against the violence directed to women and children.

He also said men need to play an active role in stopping the violence.

“We want to challenge our government to let us create forums where we can speak out. I want to apologies for all the men who had abused their women and children. We need to find a way to involve men in such forums. We need to reach out in schools, churches and within the different communities. We need to get all the information to men, create educational programmes for men and hold awareness campaigns. In Vosman we do have a forum and it is very effective,” explained Mr Sithole.

Ms Trudy Xhala-Mavimbela manager in the Transversal Unit in the office of the executive mayor addressing during the dialogue on abuse of women and children held at the loveLove Y-Centre on Wednesday, November 28.

It was also stated that non-violent men must be encouraged to become active in the struggle for gender equality and the eradication of violence against women and girls.

The programme emphasises the need for men to work alongside women in order to change the value systems that oppress women and children and dehumanize men themselves.