DA Women’s Network to visit women and children in townships
“It is no secret that women and children are the faces of poverty and victims of violence around the world but in particular, in my home country, South Africa,” said Belinda.
The DA Women’s Network (Dawn) will be going from township to township and door to door on Tuesday, 19 March, to address crime and poverty.
Zandspruit and Cosmo City are among the areas that will be visited by the DA representatives led by Ward 114 PR councillor, Belinda Echeozonjoku.
“It is no secret that women and children are the faces of poverty and victims of violence around the world but in particular in my home country, South Africa,” said Belinda.
She went on, “According to 2017/ 2018 crime statistics released in Parliament, the murder of women and children is on the increase in South Africa. What’s even more disturbing is that children are killing children in schools. It is clear that our children are exposed to violence, as can be seen by the killing of a Mondeor High School pupil who was allegedly attacked by other learners”
“Almost every day we get bombarded by news of gender-based violence and the violent rape of small children. We hear stories of requests for sexual favours for jobs, and women are on the receiving end.”
She also highlighted her experiences in dealing with disadvantaged communities. “Ever since becoming a member of the DA and subsequently a public representative for the party working closely with women activists, and engaging with women and children in Alexandra, Zandspruit and Cosmo City, I am shocked every time I hear the horror stories of violence, rape and favours for jobs.”
“In informal areas, the level of criminal activity is much higher due to poverty and the high unemployment rate, and in most instances, the criminals get away with murder,” she explained.
Belinda said she has invited the Dawn leader, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, to witness first-hand the effects that corruption, crime and the lack of service delivery have on women and children.
