ANC young women march against GBV and femicide in Ekurhuleni

The ANC Young Women’s Desk in Ekurhuleni has marched against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, calling for stronger action to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable.

The march was joined by ANC Ekurhuleni regional chairperson Doctor Xhakaza, Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Faith Mazibuko, Social Development MEC Nomantu Ralehoko-Nkomo, Ekurhuleni MMCs, ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji and other NEC members.

Also taking part were Gauteng ANCYL provincial chairperson Ntsako Mogobe, ANC Women’s League secretary-general Nokthula Nqaba, members of the clergy, sporting fraternity, NGOs and other community organisations.

The marchers called for an end to violence against women, with the ANC Young Women’s Desk saying society could no longer accept the murder, abuse and violation of women as normal.

“Our message is unequivocal: GBV and femicide must fall,” the statement said.

The organisation said women continued to live in fear in their homes, workplaces, campuses and communities, and called on communities, men, institutions and the justice system to take greater responsibility.

“Communities must rise. Men must take responsibility. Institutions must act. The justice system must protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable,” it said.

The ANC Young Women’s Desk linked the fight against GBV and femicide to the broader struggle for gender equality and the emancipation of women.

It said there could be no meaningful freedom, justice or liberation while women continued to be murdered because of their gender.

The organisation also called for intensified efforts to confront patriarchy and violence against women, saying society needed to move beyond speeches and mourning towards concrete action.

“Enough speeches. Enough mourning. Enough bloodshed,” it said.

The march ended with calls for solidarity in the fight against GBV and femicide under the slogan: “Touch one, touch all.”

The organisers also urged communities to continue mobilising against violence and to defend women from abuse and violence.