“As the country celebrates Women’s Month amid the coronavirus pandemic, let us be reminded of the strength, resilience and courage demonstrated by our women during the 1956 march against carrying pass documents which sought to restrict their movement.” These were the words of councillor Francis Makgatho, Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) Executive Mayor.
The mayor, accompanied by Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs) was addressing members of the media on the sidelines of the Women’s Day gender-based violence (GBV) campaign at Flamingo Studios in Hospital View, Kagiso recently.
The Boni & Bike team added flair to the event and went on a 40km cycling ride from Kagiso to Randfontein as part of creating awareness for the fight against GBV.
“Let us also be reminded of the sacrifices they made during the struggle against apartheid in ensuring the emancipation and empowerment of women and the freedom that we enjoy today.”
He said it is also important to highlight the issues women faced then and are still facing today.
Women have been and continue to be subjected to domestic violence and sexual harassment – the latter particularly in the workplace – and many other forms of oppression that were intended to dehumanise and humiliate them. Almost on a daily basis we hear stories of young women being raped, maimed and killed in horrifying circumstances.
“The Municipality is so saddened by the lack of remorse shown my men who inflict pain on innocent women and children. We want to call on all men, and also young boys who will be the fathers of tomorrow, to stand up and defend our women.
“While we pay tribute to women who fought for the liberation of South Africa and the women of today, we also want to make a plea to all men from all four corners of South Africa to give a thought to the level of violence meted out to women and children.”
Guided by this year’s theme ‘Generation Equality; Realising Women’s Rights for an equal Future’, the mayor said Mogale City will embark on various campaigns to highlight the plight of women and children, and be at the forefront of the fight against GBV.
MCLM will also use this month to embark on campaigns to contribute to the fight against GBV, femicide and gender discrimination.
This is part of government’s programme to advance the rights of women and young girls in the political space, the economy as well as the social and cultural spheres,” the mayor added.
In a bid to convey the message to the community of Mogale City, the executive mayor and his team embarked on a media photo shoot, utilising special effects make-up to create images that tell a story about the daily challenges women and children face.
These photos will be used to highlighting support programmes provided by the MCLM and those provided by the national government in general, to victims with the intention to raise awareness and empower women with information.
