Call to fight against GBV every day
GBV is not a joke as many have died at the hands of their abusers, says councillor.
Ward 81 councillor Mpho Lewele urged Sunnyside residents to fight against gender-based violence every day – and not only during the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children Abuse.
The 16 Days of Activism takes place annually from November 25 to December 10.
“We should not only talk about and fight against gender-based violence (GBV) during this time only,” Lewele said.
He said the South African government declared GBV as a “pandemic” owing to high levels of violence against women and children in the country, citing that coming up with effective strategies to fight it can significantly benefit the nation.
“The GBV pandemic is a thorn in the sides of most of us and I urged everyone in Sunnyside and the surroundings to come together and fight the scourge every day.”
He said long-term solutions, such as teaching boys to respect girls, were needed to win the battle against the “pandemic”.
“This needs to start with parents who should lead by example and teach their children to refrain from acts of abuse.”
He said children learn from abusive parents and later practice the same bad behaviour to their partners when they become adults.
“When parents fight at home, children copy such bad behaviour and end up thinking that it is a normal practice; yet is a dangerous act that could even lead to a loss of life.”
He said GBV was not a joke as many people had died at the hands of their abusers.
He urged residents to teach boys to protect women.
“Teaching boys to protect girls at a younger age prevent boys from being abusers when they become adults.”
He said this was important to prevent GBV from taking place in the future.
He encouraged residents to work together when fighting against GBV from happening now and in the future.
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