MOSSEL BAY NEWS - “Enough is enough!”
These were the words that echoed throughout New Sunnyside, Mossel Bay, today, 27 November, as the ACVV Social Services and Genesis NPO held a gender-based violence (GBV) awareness march and campaign at E.K. Primary School in honour of 16 Days of Activism.
The campaign, known as Close the Gap, is a national one of the Department of Social Development and was launched in October.
It focuses on addressing gaps in HIV care by getting 1.1 million people on treatment, as well as raising awareness on GBV in South Africa.
During the walk through the streets of the community, the learners were accompanied by their teachers, social workers of the ACVV, Genesis representatives and municipal traffic services, proudly carrying GBV-themed posters.
John Phillipi and Daniele Jantjies with a 16 Days of Activisim sign, while some Grade One learners of E.K. Primary deliver a small performance. Photo: Gabriélla Siebritz
The walk also raised awareness about domestic violence as a whole and how it can present at home.
“Don’t stay quiet. You are our future of tomorrow,” said Sergeant Kay James of the Da Gamaskop Police to the children of E.K. Primary during a talk in the school’s courtyard.
He also handed out some pamphlets on crimes against women and children, to educate them about what to do if they or someone they know is in a domestic violence situation.
A demonstration also took place with two members of Genesis, John Phillipi and Daniele Jantjies, illustrating an example of GBV.
The children were encouraged to tell a trusted adult if they see or know about instances of violence in their homes or the home of someone they know, emphasising that it is OK to report these matters, which can be done anonymously.
The learners head out to the streets of New Sunnyside to participate in a march against domestic violence in honour of 16 Days of Activism. Photo: Gabriélla Siebritz
After the GBV march, some hotdogs and frozen juices were handed out and enjoyed.
16 Days of Activism is a United Nations campaign that takes place annually from 25 November to 10 December, highlighting the fight against GBV in South Africa and around the world.
The Genesis NPO will appearing at the Barcelona Circle in KwaNonqaba at 10:00 on Monday 1 December to continue with the Close the Gap campaign, this time focusing on HIV treatment and awareness.
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