GALLERY: Department of Community Safety marks the end of 16 days
MARTINDALE– Women officials raise awareness against violence against women and children.
The Department of Community Safety hosted an event to mark the end of 16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children at the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department in Martindale on 10 December.
The international campaign started on 25 November where a number of organisations and individuals participated in raising awareness about the rights of abused women and children.
Women officials from the Metro Police and Emergency Management Services attended the ceremony in numbers to pledge their support to the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Reverend Phinda Ngwenya from the Metro Police Chaplain Services started off proceedings with an opening prayer before giving the officials words of encouragement in support of the campaign.
“I commend you for your courage in the line of duty and the dedication you show as female officials. Today marks the end of 16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children but the fight still continues,” Rev Ngwenya said.
MMC of Public Safety Sello Lemao encouraged officials not to bring each other down but instead offer each other support in times of trouble. He also added that if they witness anything wrong in the workplace or in the line of duty, they must report the matter without fear of victimisation.
Metro Police Spokesperson Superintendent Edna Mamonyane said that women in the Department of Community Safety do not want it to be just 16 days where abuse against women and children is acknowledged.
“As women in uniform we are also abused by the people we serve and protect. Women and children deserve to be treated with respect as we are not only women but also wives, daughters and mothers,” Supt Mamonyane said.
Members of the Department of Community Safety gathered outside the headquarters. While singing liberation songs, they released balloons into the air to symbolise the end of the important campaign.
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