NPOs want GBV to end in Kwa-Thema
“Our target was to get 5 000 people to join the protest, and more people, including other NGOs, local businesses and local schools have joined in the movement."
Kwa-Thema – Non-profit organisations EPOC LGBTI and I Am Self Identity embarked on a peaceful protest along main roads in KwaThema on Saturday to raise awareness of gender-based violence. The event was organised by Ntsupe Mohapi, Miss P Leeuw, Bontle Mohapi and Suzan Mpufane.
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EPOC LGBTI advocates for the rights of the LGBTI community, while I Am Self Identity focuses on the restoration of girls’ and women’s dignity. “We are trying to find different ways to send out the message while ensuring no one is left behind. “We felt if we target all major roads everyone will see – children, victims and the entire community. “Also, they will know where to seek help,” said Ntsupe. The organisations work with professional institutions for those in need of counselling. “The response from the community from seeing our posters on our social media pages show people are interested.
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Men and women have reached out to us. “Our target was to get 5 000 people to join the protest, and more people, including other NGOs, local businesses and local schools have joined in the movement. “Our aim is to expand the campaign to other townships,” she added. The protest took place from 2pm to 3pm. “Since we started in 2009, we’ve seen lot of changes taking place in our community. “People have used our platforms to get help. “I think we have been able to create an impact with our previous campaigns and believe this one will also have a positive impact,” explained Bontle.
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Miss P said: “What we have been able to gather from our sessions and meetings is that law enforcement and social workers are failing us, which is why it is important for us to bring them on board when we have such events. “There are legit cases which are not getting the attention they deserve, which is truly sad. “We opted to have a silent protest because we are tired, we are saying that enough is enough. “We believe that silence is loud, it is golden.” Follow us on: 
