ITERELENG HOSTS 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM FOR CHANGE

Residents of Itereleng Residential Care Facility commemorating 16 Days of Activism

By Sipho Ncube

• The Itereleng Residential Care Facility in Ga-Rankuwa hosted a 16 Days of Activism event to raise awareness about gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
• Harmful ideas surrounding masculinity and the role of women in society such as sexual entitlement and concepts of male control often perpetuate violence, participants at the event were told.
• Women in abuse environments were also urged to make use of the Thuthuzela Care Centres – one-stop shelters – which offer accommodation for women and children, as well as providing skills development programmes, empowering the women to break the cycle of abuse.

A prayer service and songs raising awareness about gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) formed part of a 16 Days of Activism event held at the Itereleng Residential Care Facility in Ga-Rankuwa, in the north west of the City of Tshwane, 28 November 2024.

Social worker Bridget Baloi from Youth for Survival, a Gauteng Department of Social Development-funded NPO, urged residents to report GBVF to authorities to help put an end to the violence.

“GBVF affects many of us, and women often suffer the most, protecting their families and providers,” Baloi noted.

She highlighted the role of the Thuthuzela Care Centres – one-stop shelters – which offer accommodation for women and children, as well as providing skills development programmes, empowering the women to break the cycle of abuse.

Pastor Kea Masoba, head of the Ga-Rankuwa Reabilwe Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) addressed the harmful ideas surrounding masculinity and femininity that contribute to GBVF. “Concepts of male control, sexual entitlement, and antisocial behaviour promote gender inequality, while women’s subjugation often perpetuates violence,” Masoba said.

She also pointed out that poverty and limited education contribute to economic dependency and diminished agency in relationships.

Masoba cited scripture to emphasise the importance of protecting the vulnerable: “God’s Word shows special concern for the oppressed and victimised (Exodus 22:22-24, Revelation 21:4, Micah 4:4).”

The 16 Days of Activism, from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day), calls for an end to violence against women and children.

This year’s theme, “30 years of advancing collective action to end violence against women and children”, focuses on addressing the root causes of GBVF, promoting positive masculinity, fostering gender equality, and creating economic opportunities for women and children.