Midvaal Local Municipality marked the start of Women’s Month with an event focused on supporting survivors of gender-based violence and connecting them with services, information and empowerment opportunities.
The initiative brought together representatives from the South African Police Service, the local business chamber, healthcare professionals, a skills development centre and non-governmental organisations.
Survivors attending the event received healthcare advice, motivational support and information about opportunities aimed at skills development and personal empowerment.
Speaking at the event, Midvaal Executive Mayor Alderman Peter Teixeira said more needed to be done to ensure victims of gender-based violence were able to access support.
“One victim is one too many, and one life lost is one too many. Until every person can live free from fear, our work is not done,” Teixeira said.
He said the municipality would continue working to ensure women, children and other victims of gender-based violence knew that support was available to them.
Gender-based violence remains a major social concern in South Africa, with government institutions, police, community organisations and support services playing an important role in prevention and assistance to survivors.
The event formed part of Women’s Month activities and highlighted the importance of cooperation between local government, law enforcement, healthcare providers, businesses and civil society in responding to gender-based violence.
