On 26 August, the Justice and Peace department and the Catholic Men’s Association (CMA) under the HeForShe Campaign – men under the walk-and-talk banner took part in a march. This campaign seeks to highlight the scourge of gender-based violence. The campaign started with a march at New Bridge, Naledi, where one of the victims was raped and stoned to death.
Fr Marek Przybys SCJ opened with a prayer. He was followed by head of the Justice and Peace department, Joseph Dube who explained about the HeForShe campaign and the walk-and-talk project.
The HeForShe campaign is a United Nations Women initiative which encourages men to lead campaigns on gender and inequality.
Names of the victims of gender-based violence incidences, known to the department, that happened in Soweto, were read out and those of others around South Africa.
The CMA has committed itself to work with the department on their 16 Days of Activism Against Women and child abuse campaigns. It, together with the group ‘Community Safety’ marshalled the crowd. The CMA deputy chairperson, Thami Makhoba was the programme director. T-shirts were handed out. Tshepo Tsotetsi provided water for the crowd. The Department of Social Development and South African Police Service also attended the event.
Charmaine Khawula
J&P GBV Project coordinator
