Benefit in aid of GBV crisis set for Durban
THE WomanPACT Awake 2023 Benefit – a gala dinner to raise awareness and funds to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa – will take place in uMhlanga next month.
The event, hosted by WomanPACT, a women empowerment non-profit organisation, will focus on the communities of Phoenix, Chatsworth, Newlands, KwaMashu and surrounding areas. It will also honour activists with a WomanPACT Vanguard of Change Award for their dedication to combating GBV.
Charlene Singh, spokesperson for WomanPACT, said: “The benefit is in response to the pressing GBV crisis in Durban where WomanPACT has been diligently working to address this pervasive issue through impactful programmes. These include educational campaigns, survivor support programmes and community engagement, to foster a culture of respect and understanding.
“The event aims to shed light on countless individuals who face the harsh reality of violence on a daily basis. GBV is a scourge that permeates our society, affecting individuals regardless of age, gender or background.
“Guests will gather to recognise and celebrate the WomanPACT Vanguard of Change awardees. These individuals have demonstrated remarkable dedication to fighting GBV,” she said.
The awardees are Jane Pillay (Sibiya Community Trust), Dr Halima Khunoethe (academic and chief director of capacity building at Cogta), Linda Zama (special adviser to the KZN premier), Nonhlanhla Mkhize (Amnesty International), Brandon Pillay (member of Parliament), Cookie Edwards (director of the KZN Network on Violence against Women), Sharon Munien (entrepreneur and GBV survivor), Yogan Naidoo (Tongaat Hindu Unity Forum and social activist) and Ishwar Ramlutchman (vice-president of Gopio International and president of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation).
Munien, of Phoenix, is a published author and activist. She said empowering women was key.
“When a woman is not working and dependent on a man, and she does not have any skills, that is a ‘silencer’. She then has to put up with whatever is thrown her way because she cannot make it on her own.”
Edwards has been a gender activist for over 30 years.
She said: “What personally drew me to this calling was being a survivor of GBV in my first marriage. I understand what it is like to go through all the different forms of abuse and what women go through in toxic relationships.
"What drives me is to help other women, give them a voice and empower them. GBV is a complex issue. Very few women can just walk away. There are a lot of things that keep women in abusive relationships, like finance, the children, no alternative accommodation and unemployment.”
Pillay is known for championing policy changes to address GBV on a systemic level, and for leading many workshops and awareness programmes. These include the “Knock on the Door” campaign among council flat dwellers.
“Having been born and raised in Bayview, I have witnessed firsthand the beast of GBV. Growing up, I saw it happen in front of me in our community.
“The status quo must change. We cannot allow future generations to be trapped in the same cycle of GBV. I take no credit for doing what I do. I dedicate this award to all the survivors of GBV,” said Pillay.
The benefit will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel on December 2 at 6pm. Tickets are R650 each with all proceeds going towards supporting WomanPACT's GBV programming for 2024. For more, call WomanPACT founder Pamela Padayachee at 072 477 7196, or email admin@ womanpact.com