By Judith Dumbutshena, Link Communicator, Province of South Africa
Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to be a pervasive issue, impacting millions of lives globally. It takes many forms, from domestic abuse to workplace harassment, leaving profound and lasting effects on individuals, families, and entire communities.
In response to this urgent crisis, Akhanani Good Shepherd Mission organized a powerful march involving local communities and public officials in Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth. The event aimed to raise awareness, foster solidarity, and encourage victims to break the silence and seek help.
More than just a symbolic gesture, the event was a powerful call to action, urging society to confront and eradicate this prevalent issue. Despite its widespread nature, gender-based violence often remains unreported due to fear, stigma, or inadequate support systems. Akhanani Good Shepherd Mission’s primary goal for the march was to bring this issue into the spotlight, empowering victims to speak out and to hold perpetrators accountable while promoting a culture of zero tolerance towards violence.
The 5km march was led by an animated music band from the local primary school, followed by children, staff and project participants from Akhanani Good Shepherd Mission. The banners held high emphasized the significance of the event, aiming to empower victims to break the silence and raise awareness about its critical message.
Children from Akhanani Good Shepherd Mission spread the message of the march to the local mall, where they actively engaged with the community by seeking permission from car owners to place awareness-raising bumper stickers on their vehicles.
The march was a resounding success, attracting strong support from the local community. Notably, a significant number of men participated, many of whom later expressed their joy at being involved. They shared how the event not only raised awareness but also inspired other men to join such initiatives, fostering unity in the fight against gender-based violence.
On the final day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, local police hosted a community function at the Akhanani Good Shepherd Mission hall, bringing together children and members of the local community. During the event, one of the sergeants delivered an inspiring talk to the children and staff, emphasizing the importance of faith, resilience, and unity.
The session also highlighted critical safety measures for both children and parents, stressing the importance of reporting any form of abuse. By fostering awareness and taking proactive steps, the message was clear: together, we can stand against gender-based violence and create a future founded on love, equality, and justice.
Read more about the Akhanani project here.
