Members of the Roman Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg are ready to fight gender-based violence through social advocacy project Justice and Peace.
The church celebrated the culmination of this year’s 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign over the weekend.
Also read: 16 Days of Activism: What you need to know
Earlier this year the church launched a help desk aimed at addressing issues of abuse in the church and the community.
According to Justice and Peace activist Kgomotso Ndlovu, the overall objective of this project is to reduce the incidence of gender-based violence (GBV) and to educate communities about factors and situations that contribute to GBV.
“We are saying enough is enough and taking a stand against the abuse of women, especially young women.
“We have realised that young women are mostly affected because they are naïve and ignorant to what abuse is until it is too late and find it hard to get out of these relationships,” says Kgomotso.
“They are attracted and controlled by ‘blessers’ and drug lords, but as parents and community leaders we are offering a helping hand.
“We understand that the older women know and understand and are in the position where they can share with the younger generation on the dos and don’ts.”
Also read: 16 Days of Activism unites community
Kgomotso says they want young women to know their rights and to feel they can exercise these rights without feeling guilty.
“They don’t have to feel guilty to say no and get out of these relationships while they still can,” she says.
Fellow activist Zodwa Sibanyoni says they are calling on those who will be attending Justice and Peace meetings to wear orange doeks, caps or ties as a sign of solidarity against gender-based violence.
“This theme was started few years ago, we wear them on Fridays and Sundays as a sign of taking a stand against gender-based violence,” Zodwa says.
