Watch: Tambo Memorial Hospital nurses take a stand against gender-based violence

Tambo Memorial Hospital nurses have pledged not to condone or remain silent about gender-based violence

December 11, 2020

Ntombikayise Sibeko 1 minute read

Saying enough is enough is from left: Violet Khoza, Bridget Kekana and Lorraine Debakoane.

A group of nurses from Tambo Memorial Hospital wore black on December 8 as part of showing solidarity to women who have been harmed or killed through gender-based violence.

Organised by the Hospital’s Wellness Department, the event was aimed at raising awareness against the plight of GBV.

During the brief event, nurses called upon victims of GBV to break their silence and report any form of abuse to the police.

Playing their part to end the cycle of violence on women, nurses dipped their hands inside a colour paint and they hand printed their hands on a white cloth that hung on the wall outside the hospital.

Pledging not to keep quiet about GBV is Tshililo Mavhandu and Gugu Mashinini of Tambo Memorial Hospital.

They further pledged not to condone or remain silent about GBV.

Holding placards written “enough is enough” and “don’t look away”, nurses marched around the hospital.

Nurses held placards written “enough is enough” and “don’t look away” during their GBV march.

One of the organisers of the event, Sibongile Khumalo, said they decided to create awareness in their workplace because abuse not only takes place in their homes or communities only but also in workplaces.

“We are saying enough is enough to the killing of women, and it stops now. We want to encourage family members and friends of victims not to shy away when they see that their loved ones are being abused,” Khumalo said.

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Jeanette Sally, of the dietician ward, said she knows of people close to her who have been abused.

Tambo Memorial Hospital nurses urges women to speak up against violence.

“We need everyone to take action against perpetrators of violence because that’s the only way we can stop GBV. I would like to urge all men to stand up and fight for women who are harmed in social places,” Sally said.

Another nurse, Angeline Simons, highlighted that they encounter abuse cases among their patients every day.

“The approach that we carry out is to involve the proper referring systems to assist the victim. I think if everyone in this country can stand up and fight against GBV as a collective, we can make a difference,” Simons said.