Gauteng Health MEC thanks NGOs and FBOs for protecting vulnerable children

GAUTENG Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko visited women and children in Kwathema, Springs, as part of her 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.

The event held at Selope Thema Clinic kicked off with an aerobics session and a candlelight ceremony in honour of those who have suffered abuse and violence. The MEC was joined by faith-based organisations (FBOs) and representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that work closely with those affected in the area.

The MEC’s visit comes a week after the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, launched at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Joburg’s south on November 25.

This year’s campaign is being held under the theme “Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment to Build Women’s Resilience against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: Connect, Collaborate, Contract.”

Nkomo-Ralehoko, the event’s keynote speaker, detailed the impact of gender-based violence (GBV) on children and women. She said women should unite in fighting the scourge of GBV. The MEC thanked members of the FBOs, NGOs and health workers who, on a daily basis, worked to help women and children affected by GBV.

She said their fight has not gone unnoticed, and their work should be commended as they continue to fight the scourge and protect women’s rights.

“I truly appreciate the role that you played and the difference you make in our society, and I appreciate and would like to extend the same gratitude to the organisers, the FBO sector, and NGOs in this area for the awareness campaigns, which are totally against GBVF.

“Each day lightens the load of the low-intensity war conducted against women and children. As a community working together with the FBOs, we must sustain this fight and champion this cause because GBV is deeply rooted in practice and is manifested,” the MEC said.