GIRL POWER

Women for Change demand action in oorlog against GBV

- BY KIM SWARTZ

AHEAD of today's nationwide shutdown, Women For Change (WFC) scored a small victory in the fight to end gender-based violence.

Pressure since demanding urgent action, accountability, and proper implementation of existing laws, saw President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday declare the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) both a national and global crisis.

Speaking at the closing of the G20 Social Summit yesterday, he said: "No society can thrive as long as gender-based violence and femicide continue, and the agency of women is denied.

"The violence perpetrated by men against women erodes the social fabric of nations. Men and women are equal partners and must be actively involved to resolve power imbalances that normalise violence and silences survivors."