Women take a stand against gender-based violence

Tsakane – Members of Faithful International Women on Heels were joined by the Ekurhuleni East Cluster SAPS in their annual campaign against gender-based violence on Saturday.

Tsakane SAPS social crime prevention and communication members partnered with women from different churches to confront the scourge of violence in the community.

Faithful International Women on Heels, led by Apostle Emmah Sekgobela, aims to empower women while creating awareness of gender-based violence.

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“I started the organisation in 2010 because I could see that women are idling, but they had such great potential. I just wanted us to do something constructive.”

Mam Emmah says they also started sharing skills like cooking and other crafts in order to empower each other.

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“As we grew, we realised that we could support each other beyond the church walls.

“We support women as they go through court cases because it is a long road and we do not want them to give up.”

She encouraged mothers to protect their daughters and to never be afraid to speak out against abuse.

The awareness campaign took place in two phases.

The first took the form of a march that started at the corner of Ndabezitha and Malandela streets and proceeded along Malandela Street until Modjadji Street.

Calls to “stop gender-based violence” were chanted and pamphlets were issued along the way and at the taxi rank.

The second phase was held at Union in Christ Church on Khanya Street, Extension One.

The formal programme created a platform for safety promoters from the Department of Community Safety from different areas to come together to build and motivate one another.

The message for the day was to encourage women to go out to in their communities and make a difference.

Especially to the youth, not only to offer guidance but also to seek help themselves if they are experiencing any kind of abuse.