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In a heart-wrenching revelation, more than ten women are subjected to rape and abuse every week in Boitekong and its environs, according to a distressing disclosure made by Lucia Motlalepule, Boitekong Ward 21 Community Leader. This revelation came to light during a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Awareness Event that took place on October 18, 2023.
The GBVF event kicked off with an early morning march, a symbolic stride towards addressing the urgent crisis of gender-based violence in the community.
The primary objectives of the event were to raise awareness and educate the community about the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and to shatter the barriers that allow such atrocities to persist.
Rape in Boitekong
A Boitekong resident, who chose to remain anonymous, shared a poignant message with the media, stressing that “the silence of families regarding rape is the enemy.” This sentiment echoes the unfortunate reality faced by many victims of sexual violence who endure the weight of silence. Shockingly, a recent incident saw a young girl raped twice, first by a stepfather and then by a relative. The family of the victim expressed their distress at the culprits walking free in their streets, appealing for intervention from organizations like Rise Mzansi to ensure justice prevails.
Xoliswa Mgabi, a Rise Mzansi Field Organiser, delivered a resolute message, declaring their commitment to stand up and rise in solidarity against gender-based violence. She emphasized the importance of naming and shaming those responsible within families without fear or favor.
Furthermore, Bigboy “Mokwepa” Moagi, the Rise Mzansi NW Provincial Convener, addressed new Rise Mzansi Volunteers and Supporters, urging them to rally against all forms of violence against women and children. He stressed that the time has come to build a safer Boitekong where women and children are protected.
The event was organized primarily by Peeletso Sechabeng Development, an NPO in Boitekong. This organization passionately called for robust actions to address the lack of access to health services and HIV/AIDS response services. In this regard, a diverse range of stakeholders were invited to participate in the event. Notable attendees included Show Me Your Number, Rtb Correctional Service, Justice, LGBTQ organizations, Access Chapter 2, Meropa Healing Nation, and many more.
The GBVF Awareness Event serves as a poignant reminder that the battle against gender-based violence is ongoing and requires the collective effort of the community, local organizations, and authorities to bring an end to the alarming statistics of rape and abuse in Boitekong.
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