Violence against women march: ‘I would rather die of corona than being a victim’

Throngs of young women dressed in black gathered at the Four Square intersection next to Mohlakeng taxi rank on Youth Day to walk in solidarity against the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.

A candle-lighting ceremony during the gender-based violence demonstration. Photo: Raymond Moeng.

Mohlakeng residents held a peaceful demonstration against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide issues that are plaguing the country again.

In the wake of many victims of abuse speaking out on social media, residents have decided to take to the streets on Tuesday, 16 June to walk in solidarity against the scourge of GBV and in support of the victims of what has been described as a life-long pandemic in the country.

The masses gathered at the Four Square intersection next to the Mohlakeng taxi rank, all while adhering to lockdown regulations by observing social distancing and wearing masks.

A woman blowing a whistle against femicide and gender-based violence. Photo: Raymond Moeng.

Joining members of the community were Member of Parliament Jane Khoza, and Rand West City MMC for Health and Social Development, councillor Nozi Mapena.

“I would rather die of corona than being subject to abuse,” one women in the crowd shouted.

Women came in large numbers to make a stand against gender-based violence. Photo: Raymond Moeng.

During his address to the nation on Wednesday, 17 June, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was appalled by what is no less than a war being waged against women and children of the country.

Over the past few weeks no fewer than 21 women and children have been murdered. It is deeply disturbing that the spike in crimes against women and children has coincided with the easing of the coronavirus lockdown.

“According to police, violent crime – especially murders and attempted murders – has increased since alert Level 3 took effect on 1 June. Cases of abuse of women and children have also increased dramatically.”

Mpho Keleketu and Mandisa Khuse, two former abuse victims during the gender-based violence demonstration in Mohlakeng. Photo: Raymond Moeng.

The president vowed on live TV that legislative amendments have been prepared around, among other things, minimum sentencing in cases of GBV, bail conditions for suspects and greater protection for women who are victims of intimate-partner violence.

I want to assure the women and children of South Africa that our criminal justice system will remain focused on GBV cases and that we can expect more arrests and more prosecutions against perpetrators to follow.”