MEYERTON. – August Women’s Month may have ended, but the fight against Gender Based Violence in South Africa continues.
This became evident recently when Midvaal Local Municipality(MLM) Manager Serrah Mhlanga led the planting of a commemorative rose garden to commemorate women who had lost their lives to GBV.
Mhlanga was joined by other officials and female employees of MLM who wore black as a sign of their grief.
During her address, Mhlanga told women that they did not have to stay in unhealthy relationships for the sake of their children.
“Love is not supposed to hurt you, it is not supposed to cause you sleepless nights. On a daily basis women lose their lives in the hands of people who claim to love them. We have laws in our country yet it is difficult to use those laws to protect women.”
Mhlanga said that being a woman meant that you are at risk.
“It is therefore important that we stand together as women and unite against the scourge of GBV. We all have different lives and no one is here to judge you. Don’t stay if you don’t want to.”
Mhlanga said that women could contribute by educating their children about abuse so that they become an entirely different generation.
Throughout the ceremony, women carried placards with the names of female victims of Gender Based Violence. The victims were also remembered in tribute songs that were sung.
