November 25 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of 16 Days of Activism.

ALSO READ: SAPS takes to streets for GBV awareness

Since the outbreak of Covid-19, it has been widely reported that there has also been an increase in the number of cases involving violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence.

This year’s 16 Days of Activism theme is The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke – 16 Days of Activism – Moving from Awareness to Accountability.

Bertha Gxowa Care Centre will host a walk as part of 16 Days of Activism on November 25.

The centre is one of the government’s institutions that often witness the result of gender-based violence (GBV), as they work with victims every day.

The team aims to constantly raise awareness and educate the community.

The starting point of the march will be at Bertha Gxowa Hospital’s main entrance and proceed to the taxi rank then end at Germiston SAPS.

“We would like to invite the community to join us for the walk. We are stronger together and by having this walk we are saying no GBV. We also want the perpetrators to know that in our communities we are taking a stand against GBV,” said Sr Hazel Moagi, hospital operational manager.

Moagi said as the care centre, they are constantly hosting awareness campaigns.

“We do door-to-door campaigns, awareness walks, we visit the malls and speak to people there, and we talk to community members one-on-one. We visit taxi ranks, hold dialogues with the community and visit schools to speak to the children because it’s important to constantly educate people on our services and GBV,” said Moagi.