Honouring women on the frontline during 16 Days Campaign

Brackendowns SAPS, in partnership with the CPF, security companies, NGOs and businesses, kicked off 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children at Bracken Park Community Hall on November 18.

Over 80 guests were invited to take part on the day where they were addressed by guest speakers and entertained with live music. Women from the police, medics, teachers, security personnel, NGOs, council churches and the business sectors were invited.

“These are the ladies on the frontline who do not get to tell their stories,” said WO Gerhard Cornelius, spokesperson for Brackendowns SAPS.

Four women from different sectors within the mentioned group addressed those present on issues relating to gender-based violence as experienced by them on the frontline.

Michele van der Hyst shared her personal experience with gender-based violence and relayed a strong message that if you see something you must say something.

Ginger Mini said to the women present that gender-based violence also takes place between women. She spoke about women hating each other and called on the ladies to work together instead of competing against each other.

Ravyn Siccardi shared that she witnessed one extreme case of violence of a woman during her work as a medic. She added that the saddest part was that victims of abuse do not open cases against their attackers.

Linda Goodenough spoke to the guests about bullying in the workplace by using the analogy of The Lion King as well as sharing her own experiences of stress within society.