Stakeholders march against GBV in Primrose

In honour of Women’s Month and to commemorate all women, the Ekurhuleni clinical forensic medical services from Bertha Gxowa Care Centre and other stakeholders participated in a march.

The celebration was in two phases.

The first phase was the march against gender-based violence (GBV), which started at Primrose Park towards SPAR on Rietfontein. On the way, information pamphlets about GBV were distributed.

The second phase was held at SPAR parking lot where various speakers were given a platform to inform the audience about their services.

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Members from Primrose SAPS, EMPD and Department of Social Development, office of the mayor, various NGOs, Eldac, the CPF, Gauteng Traffic Police, GBV brigades, crime prevention wardens and crime prevention youth desk joined hands to celebrate Women’s Month in Primrose.

KeReady NGO’s communicator Mokgadi Malebane said by providing women with health-related information, they empower women.

“We must raise awareness about topics like GBV, cancer and other challenges women face as these require ongoing attention,” said Malebane.

“As an organisation, we work in four provinces and across four Gauteng districts. We carry out our programmes in underprivileged areas and educational institutions.

“Online nurses and doctors are available to provide timely social support,” said Malebane.

Nosipho Hani, youth ambassador based at Edenvale SAPS said she works with young people to make sure they are equipped with resources to strive in education and different sectors.

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“Within the SAPS, I offer counselling to people who need support – be it victims of rape or abuse,” she said.

“My advice to young women is that you need to believe in yourself, know your worth and be comforted that there are people to help you,” said Hani.

Primrose communications officer Sgt Styles Maome advised the community not to withdraw cases.

“Withdrawal of the cases causes backlog and justice is not served,” he said, adding that the challenge is that people open cases to threaten their companions.

Attah Menzi Mkhize, Bertha Gxowa Care Centre medical doctor said women and children suffer violence the most.

“Women are still subjected to corrective rape. We offer trauma counselling, HIV and pregnancy tests and collect relevant evidence, which can help the victim in court.

“In conjunction with family violence, child protection and sexual offences, we advise rape victims to come forward within 72 hours for medical reasons to assist the SAPS with their investigations,” said Mkhize.