Gender Links launched its 16 Days of Activism campaign in Cyrildene on 22 November.
The Sunrise campaign aims to empower women in order to break the cycle of gender violence. “It is important to empower women who have been victims of gender violence. In most cases, they don’t know how to survive on their own because of economic dependence on abusive partners,” said Debbie Harrison, Gender Links services and training manager.
“If we offer them alternatives, they can free themselves from the abusive cycle.”
The Sunrise campaign is a year-long training programme that offers life skills training, entrepreneurship training, business planning and mentorship. The programme provides women with the tools to make alternative long-term choices. The 16 Days of Activism is from 25 November to 10 December.
Gender Links is also including the season of giving, which is from 24 November to 26 December to encourage people to ‘give the gift of empowerment’.
Read: ‘Abuse knows no status or class’ – MEC Malobane
“Donations of any amount are welcome. A little money builds up to huge amounts. We encourage even the middle working class to donate. People want to help but think to make a difference, you need to donate huge amounts,” said Harrison.
Gender Links chairperson, Emily Brown added, “Our message is simple. There is something each one of us can do to break the cycle of violence. If we all donate just a fraction of what we spend during the festive season to change the lives of women and girls, we can create a safer, happier and better future for all.”
The programme costs R15 000 for the whole year. Gender Links aims to raise enough money over the next six weeks to extend the programme to another 1 000 women next year. Women who are in an abusive relationship can call Gender Links on 011 622 2877.
Details: To donate online, visit their website www.genderlinks.org.za or call Debbie Harrison on 082 445 3599 or Anne Hilton on 083 325 7143.
