For Women’s Month, Sanca Central Rand, in partnership with fitness trainer Sphiwe Ntombela, encourages men to act against gender-based violence (GBV).
Ntombela has initiated a campaign called Run4women, with the aim to raise awareness of GBV through active living.
Ten thousand people are also encouraged to run or walk 5km on any route at 6.30 am on August 9 as a form of solidarity against GBV.
As a symbolic action of breaking the silence in communities of diverse social dynamics, the campaign further challenges South Africa to cross-dress on Women’s Day. The challenge is for everyone – male, female, young and old regardless of their sexual preference.
Ntombela said: “Men can play a meaningful role in ending GBV and contribute to behavioural change and the breaking of stereotypes of gender equality.”
As minister in the Presidency for Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities Maite Nkoane-Mashabane stated: “We will celebrate this year’s Women Month under the theme Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights for an Equal Future.”
Sanca Central Rand Alcohol and Drug Centre acknowledges that GBV is a profound and widespread problem in South Africa, impacting on almost every aspect of life.
GBV occurs at times as a result of substance abuse, normative role expectations and unequal power relationships between genders in society and devastates the lives of women, girls, families and communities.
