Councillors and officials of Overstrand Municipality took to the streets last week to show their support for 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.
The campaign kicked off with a special ceremony after the last council meeting of the year on Wednesday 29 November, during which a special candle was lit. The candle is symbolic of peace and light against the darkness which is gender-based violence.
All the councillors and officials also signed a pledge to end violence against women and children in the Overstrand, be it emotional, verbal or physical.
They also committed themselves to not turn a blind eye but rather to take action.
Overstrand Executive Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie said it is about standing up against gender-based violence, which is what the 16 Days of Activism campaign is about.
Her message was clear: “GBV exists and one should not remain silent until it is too late. Stand up, speak, put a stop to gender-based violence”.
Municipal officials, mostly women, then joined Rabie and fellow councillors on a march to say enough is enough.
The GBV campaign runs every year from 25 November to 10 December.