Moses Mabhida Library champions women's voices against gender-based violence

As gender-based violence (GBV), femicide, and child abuse continue to plague communities, the Moses Mabhida Library has committed to standing in solidarity with women in the fight against these social ills.

The library in Khayelitsha hosted an awareness event on Wednesday, November 25, bringing together advocacy, civic, and non-governmental organisations to discuss the challenges facing women.

Among the organisations in attendance were the Abigail Women’s Movement, Childline, and the TeachMaling Women Project.

Library event co-ordinator Sisanda Wanga said that the library created the platform to give women a safe space to speak freely about their experiences.

“GBV and femicide are not jokes; they are a daily reality,” she said. “They happen in our homes, schools, and workplaces. We also want to remind communities that the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children must be observed every day of the year, not only for 16 days.”

The annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign kicked off on Tuesday, November 25 until Wednesday, December 10, themed Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. The campaign has, over the years, raised awareness of the devastating impact that GBVF has on women and children, and the social fabric of society.

Ms Wanga said the event aimed to empower and educate women about their roles in both their homes and the wider community. She urged women to speak out instead of suffering in silence.

GBV survivor Asanda Daweti encouraged women to report abuse and never remain in violent relationships. She said many victims often struggle to recognise abuse while they are still trapped in it.

“I thought I was being loved, yet I was being abused,” she said. “That is why I want to encourage women not to stay silent.”

Nontembiso Ndwandwe, a founding member of the TeachMaling Women Project, urged women to stop seeing themselves only as victims and instead take responsibility for changing their circumstances.

“We must come together to uplift one another and talk about business and growth instead of gossiping,” she said. “We also need to stop ignoring abused neighbours and pretending that nothing is happening.”

She added that her organisation works with young boys who have also experienced abuse, noting that many are afraid to report it because they are laughed at.

“This kind of behaviour must stop. Abuse affects everyone,” she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Nonzame Sili, who said that violence is no longer perpetrated by men alone.

“We need to start respecting ourselves. I have also been abused in my marriage, but I never thought of killing,” she said.

Calling for stronger partnerships, Nosiphiwo Nombeke from Childline encouraged organisations to work together to fight GBV.

“Unity is key if we are to defeat this scourge,” she said.