MEC leads a march in Thembisa to promote women’s safety
MEC Faith Mazibuko came to the streets of Thembisa to protest for the protection of women in the neighbourhood.
Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibuko led a march in the Thembisa policing precinct on December 7 to promote the safety of women and children.
The SAPS and other law-enforcement organisations supported the march.
Concern about the number of cases involving gender-based violence, the march was staged under the theme Reclaiming the Night as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
“Many women have shared their daily experiences of being groped, stalked, flashed at and cat-called on the streets of Ekurhuleni,” said Mazibuko.
“Our goal is to send the message that the night, not only the day, is also ours as women. We want to walk along the streets at night without being harassed and without fear. Residents should not be scared. The region has law-enforcement officers who are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all residents in Thembisa.
“Women’s rights are human rights and human rights are women’s rights. We must build a culture in which women are free to care for and nurture their families in secure and healthy conditions free of structural barriers, regardless of how they are produced.
“I encourage victims of domestic violence to contact their local police station and report cases. Gender-based violence is still prevalent in South Africa, but women remain hesitant to disclose it.
“This will allow the community to change these social norms, which might assist to reduce occurrence in two ways: either by directly changing the conduct of individuals who take part in such violence or by lowering the perceived costs of speaking out and reporting these crimes,” Mazibuko said.
