Organisation works to fight gender based violence

ALTHOUGH the country is currently commemorating 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, a local organisation works all year to fight against gender based violence.

Jennifer Fisher, the gender based violence community rapid response team leader in the CBD and surrounding areas, from KZN Network on Violence Against Women, said the organisation is working hard to create awareness in the city. The KZN Network was founded in 1996 and is a registered NPO that networks with more than 300 local government and non-government organisations.

Its main objectives are to advocate for the prevention of all forms of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV), violence against women (VAW) and HIV/AIDS. The network also promotes gender equality through its training, capacity building, campaigns, lobbying, and advocacy to build a society where human rights are respected and upheld.

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Jennifer was called by the network to join them in their work, as she was previously involved in working with the community.

“I run a group called Women and Men of Valour, which is a voluntary NPO for youth in trouble, I opened the first domestic violence court in Wentworth, and I ran a safe house in Fynnland, so this was something I was already passionate about. This is like a ministry for me, as I love working with ‘broken’ people, walking them through the process out of destruction. As leader of the rapid response team in the CBD, I aim to continue working to make a difference, and am always willing to learn,” she said.

Jennifer said the organisation also offers stakeholders in and around the CBD a 90-minute, free structured session on gender based and domestic violence.

“The community rapid response team in the CBD is seeking to network with all eThekweni and gender based violence stakeholders whose fight is against this pandemic, thus reducing barriers to accessing services for survivors of abuse and avoid us working in isolation,” she said.

To get involved and to partner with this organisation, contact Jennifer on 060 831 7974.  

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