Fight against gender-based violence through art

Concept artist Balfour Lekgwathi recently created Gender Equality Awareness murals on the wall of Helen Joseph hospital in Westdene.

“The campaign is one of its kind, it is actually the first of its kind that uses a public art medium in the history of 16 days of activism and beyond,” said Lekgwathi.

The long-term goal of the campaign is to produce 16 murals in each province within 365 days, in support of the 16 days of activism.

“The 365 days campaign is a government initiative and its strategy is to curb Gender-based violence, and is an extension of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign.”

According to Lekgwathi, the 365-day initiative was a result of the deliberations that were undertaken at the Kopanong Conference, which was held in May 2006 in Benoni.

The initiative seeks to fight victimisation of women and children in the country.

“I chose to have the painting at Helen Joseph Hospital because so many people come here to be treated or to see the sick. Perth Road is a very busy road and more people are bound to see the information we are sending through and hopefully make a change in society.”

The initiative is close to Lekgwathi’s heart.

“One of my aunts was abducted and was found after four months. These are the kinds of gender-based attacks we need to stop,” he said.

“We are usually told as a community that patriotic citizenship is important and this is a way of creating social responsibility.”

Six murals have been completed in Johannesburg and 10 more murals will be completed in other parts of Gauteng before starting the national campaign.

“For these projects to come to live, we need sponsorships from residents so we can raise awareness and reduce gender-based violence in the country,” he said.

According to Lekgwathi, the project has received support from the Commission for Gender Equality and a Johannesburg-based paint company Versus Paints.

Details: Balfour Lekgwathi – balfour@onthebeat.co.za or 082 712 5352.