Women learn to protect themselves during self-defence class

The founder of Stand United SA non-profit organisation, Megon Schutte has urged men to join the fight against gender-based violence.

In the past few months, South Africa has seen a dramatic rise in gender-based violence incidents that have since claimed countless lives of women and children at the hands of men. In their quest to empower women with tools to fight the scourge of gender-based violence, Stand United SA non-profit organisation, in partnership with Secure 360, hosted a women’s self-defence class on 19 September.

Schutte said apart from raising awareness, the event was also aimed at educating women about the scourge of gender-based violence and teach them some basic self-defence skills. “Our aim as Stand United SA is to create awareness and provide support to victims of gender-based violence in South Africa. Our organisation help victims of gender-based violence in all parts of the country, those residing in rural areas and urban areas equally,” she said.

“The victims of the scourge usually cannot make a phone call to report an incident and the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre is inundated with calls.” She added, “Our organisation does not only educate women about the scourge, we also educate men and young people about the effects of gender-based violence, whether at schools or at home.

“Today we invited women in order to empower them and teach them basic defence skill they can apply to defend themselves in case they fall victims.” Schutte has also extended an invitation to all to attend men-only classes.

Details: For more information about the classes, contact Megon Schutte 076 645 4374.