‘END GBV’ programme to curb GBV and femicide launched in Free State – SABC Information

Free State MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture has made a clarion call for the public to stand together against Gender-based Violence (GBV) and femicide.

MEC Ntombizanele Sifuba launched the 100-day programme ‘END GBV,’ aimed at curbing the scourge of Gender-based Violence and femicide through sports, arts and culture programmes.

With South Africa said to be one of the most unsafe places in the world for women and children, social cohesion can be achieved through spreading messages against Gender-based Violence and femicide.

“The intention is that we stand against Gender-based Violence in all our programmes. So, we are going to have a message that says something against Gender-based Violence and femicide,” says Sifuba.

Civic organisations are optimistic about the programme.

Co-founder of Buang Banna, Archie Phinithi, says, “The MEC is willing to work with all stakeholders like us. We are on the ground on a daily basis. We know the dynamics, we know the challenges, the real statistics and the challenges faced by all genders. When we talk about Gender-based Violence, we talk about women, children, men and the LGBTQI community.”

Nombuyiselo Manjiya started taking part in karate more than 40 years ago. She says it can benefit women a great deal.

“Karate helps people, especially women to believe in themselves and protect themselves from abuse,” she says.

The MEC says at the end of the 100-day programme the department will be able to identify gaps in service provision and prioritise areas for improvement in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide.