Community walk against GBVF
MONSTERLUS – Scores of residents of Kwadlaulale Village within Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality recently embarked on a walk against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
The awareness campaign, an initiative of Ikwekwezi FM and Esibayeni Guest House, commenced at Moratiwa Shopping Complex and ended at Esibayeni Guest House.
It attracted young and old people who carried placards high sending out messages to perpetrators to stop.
Furthermore, the campaign promoted a healthy lifestyle as it involved the senior citizens walking for 2km.
Johannes Marumo, a resident, said strong messages were sent out and the elderly also had a platform to share their frustrations of being physically and psychologically abused by their grandchildren at home.
Marumo indicated that it was heart-breaking to hear grandparents tell of how they longer feel safe in their own homes.
“There is a serious need for the community to come together and fight against the abuse of our elderly. Most importantly, the initiative sought to break the silence and encourage the pensioners to report abuses meted against them. Some told of how their pension grants are taken from them by their own grandchildren,” shared Marumo.
He highlighted the need to frequently host events such as this one to cast the net further in creating awareness on GBVF.
The walk was a great success with the massive participation it enjoyed as community members turned out in their numbers.
It is expected to take place annually to fight the scourge of GBVF in communities within Elias Motsoaledi.
