MEN MARCH AGAINST WOMEN ABUSE
THE Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS) in partnership with the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) officials led the 100 Men march to stop violence against women and children last Thursday.
The march, which moved from Esigingqini in Mlungisi to the Chris Hani Hexagon, was not well attended, but the message from the group of about 30 people was clear.
Using a loud hailer, those involved in the march called for an end to the abuse of women and children.
CHDM mayoral committee member Nontombizanele Koni, who addressed the crowd, said women were dying at the hands of men they trusted and it was time “real men” took a stand to protect women. “The only way violence against women and children will be eradicated is if men get involved in campaigns and call out their friends who are women abusers and report them.
“If you are a man and know someone who is an abuser and you protect them by not saying anything, you are part of the problem.
“We need to get to the point where we expose abusers and create a space where victims will not feel ashamed. Violence against women and children must stop today.”
The participants signed a pledge where they undertook to help break the culture of silence that accompanies violence and abuse and to act promptly if violence against women and children was witnessed.
They also committed themselves to teaching others about the values of human dignity, equality and respect.
GCIS provincial and local liaison officer Lwando Helesi said the march was organised for men.
It preceded the #TheTotalShutdown march against femicide and gender-based violence that took place countrywide on Wednesday.