Vodacom takes strides in collective efforts to fight gender-based violence with a 3km Walk for Good
Vodacoms’ annual Walk for Good forms part of Vodacom’s encompassing GBV ecosystem, which has three pillars: prevention, response and victim empowerment.
The crime statistics for South Africa repeatedly show high rates of violence against women and children.
For the third quarter of 2023/24, for example, more than 10 thousand rapes, 1 500 attempted murders, and 14 thousand assaults against females were recorded in just three months.
As a result, marking the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Vodacom held its annual Walk for Good in Midrand on December 6 to say ‘Dont Mind Your Business’.
The event calls for South Africans to stand together in the fight to end this societal ill and supports Vodacom’s ongoing gender empowerment initiatives to drive inclusion for all.
Vodacom employees painted the streets of Midrand in red and black as they participated in the 3km Walk for Good from the company’s Midrand office and donated feminine hygiene packs as part of efforts in the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Speaking to Angela Abrahams, head of Vodacom Foundation, Abrahams said they recognise this key international campaign in the fight against GBV and remain cognisant that this is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed.
“Every day thousands are affected by GBV, threatening their meaningful participation in society and our country’s future. At Vodacom, we are actively using our capabilities to raise awareness about GBV and are calling on others to #DontMindYourBusiness and unite with us to end this scourge,” said Abrahams.
The annual Walk for Good forms part of Vodacom’s encompassing GBV ecosystem, which has three pillars: prevention, response and victim empowerment.
In partnership with the Department of Basic Education, Vodacom implemented the Change the World programme to address psychosocial issues faced by school learners.
The programme promotes a safe school environment, supports educators and learners, and provides intervention sessions to address psychosocial issues and reduce school-related GBV. To date, 25 psychosocial professionals have been placed in 13 Vodacom-supported schools, reaching approximately 26 000 learners.
“If we are to ensure sustainable outcomes to our comprehensive approach in the fight against GBV, we need to work together as the private sector, governments and civil society. Collective efforts will have far-reaching impact in tackling GBV and its impact on society,” Abrahams concluded.
