Rabie Ridge men and women fight gender-based violence

Rabie Ridge gender-based violence brigades along with Rabie Ridge gender-based violence brigades are joined by the Rabie Ridge Community Police Forum, Rabie Ridge Police, men and womens’ forums in a fight against gender-based violence. Photo: Ofentse Ditlopo and men and women’s forums conducted a campaign to educate the community about gender-based violence.

On 10 March, the group of men and women went from street to street talking to residents and giving them pamphlets on how to go about reporting cases of gender-based violence, following up on cases, as well as reporting any wrongdoing or bad service by the police.

Co-organiser of the event, Frans Mokwele, believed there was a lack of youth activism when it came to issues that affected society in the area. “With this event, we want to create awareness and even be ambassadors of our society so we can motivate all youth, even those who are sitting and thinking about these sorts of ills. We want them to see that it is possible to stand up and be agents of change.”

He added that as gender-based violence brigades, they were trying to build a relationship with community members and victims, and hoped that this would encourage victims to come forward and seek help.

Rabie Ridge Police Station’s acting spokesperson, Sergeant Dipolelo Moremi, said the police wanted to empower the brigades and make sure that they were also safe as they were dealing with sensitive issues. He added, “All the necessary departments are available to assist victims at our police station. Victim empowerment is one of them, which is why were are assisting them to [raise] awareness. “We want to let community members know that they can visit the police station and get help.”

Details: Rabie Ridge Police Station 011 310 0410.