Midvaal brings community together in stand against GBV

In the spirit of Women’s Month, Midvaal Local Municipality continued its commitment to empowering and supporting women by hosting its second gender-based violence (GBV) event in partnership with Agape Lerato Community Services and SAPS Midvaal.

Held under the theme “Stronger Together”, the event took place in Vaal Marina, on Friday, 14 August , and brought together GBV survivors, advocates, supporters and community members for a meaningful day of learning, motivation and encouragement.

The gathering created a safe space for important conversations around gender-based violence, while reminding survivors that support, compassion and solidarity are available within the community.

At the heart of the event was a simple but powerful message: no one should have to face the impact of gender-based violence alone.

The municipality said the event was a powerful reminder of the importance of creating safe spaces where people can share their experiences, feel empowered and support one another.

“By coming together, listening to one another and creating spaces of support and encouragement, we can continue to remind survivors that they are not alone and that we are stronger together,” the municipality said.

Throughout the day, participants were encouraged to share, listen and support one another, reinforcing the importance of building communities where survivors feel heard, respected and empowered.

The partnership between Midvaal Local Municipality, Agape Lerato Community Services and SAPS Midvaal also highlighted the value of working together to address gender-based violence. By combining community support, awareness and access to assistance, initiatives such as these help strengthen the network of care available to those who need it most.

Women’s Month provides an important opportunity not only to celebrate women, but also to reflect on the challenges many continue to face. The “Stronger Together” event served as a reminder that creating safer communities requires continued awareness, meaningful support and collective action.

Most importantly, the day reminded everyone present of the power of standing together — to listen, to encourage, to empower and to create spaces where people feel safe enough to speak and seek support.

Because when communities choose compassion over silence and support over isolation, we truly are stronger together.