WATCH: Gender-based violence must end
Gender-based violence must be tackled by all, young and old, boys and girls, men and women.
Active Youngins Foundation (AYF) successfully hosted well-attended gender-based violence (GBV) awareness event at Rosettenville Central Primary School on May 1.
The event, which was attended by GBV activists, various guest speakers, models, dancers, singers and the local community, also saw 10 young women graduate from Aya Spa Academy.
In welcoming the guests on the day, Onesimo Hamnca from AYF said as a GBV activist, everyone is unique in this world and it is important to make your mark in the fight against GBV.
Chairperson of AYF Carol Imbokodo said she wants to see a total end to GBV.
“GBV is an epidemic that needs to be attacked holistically by the whole community. We have a panel of experts who will enlighten us about this pandemic. Women also need to be strengthened when it comes to their economic position so they gain the power of freedom.
“We also need to educate young boys and men about GBV with the aim of changing gender stereotypes while challenging gender norms and attitudes that justify intimate-partner violence,” she said.
She also mentioned that last year when they crowned Miss Rosettenville 2020, they discovered that some women require certain skills.
This is why they then partnered with a number of organisations to address such a skill shortage, with one of them being Aya Spa Health and Beauty.
Busisiwe Ndlovu, the owner of Aya Spa Health and Beauty, is a cosmetologist and a counsellor who specialises in helping children and women.
“By imparting skills we can empower women. We are proud of those graduating. They can open their own businesses in nails, make-up, facial, skin care, massage or hair and grow themselves as businesswomen,” she said.
Jimmy Ntuli, founder and director of AYF, said, “We thank the Department of Social Development, National Arts Council, Aya Spa Health and Beauty, the models of Miss Rosettenville 2021 Season 2.0 The bigger the better, the community at large, Ayanda Films, BN Photographic Visuals, RWD Crew and all our guest speakers.
“This is the beginning. Until we see Region F communities GBV-free and women empowered, we will continue running programmes where we will invite all businesses people, SAPS and stakeholders to join hands with us.
“Lastly, thank to my team, chairperson Carol Imbokodo, treasurer Onesimo Hamnca, director Zinzi Mdandalaza and our volunteers who keep coming to our programmes, as well as Miss Rosettenville 2020 Siphokuhle Qayiso and her team.”
