- Women’s Month Women’s Caucus and GBV Awareness Programme: The Nyandeni Local Municipality hosted an event in Zibungu Village in Libode focusing on addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and empowering women in rural areas, emphasizing the importance of accessibility to support services.
- Community-Centric Approach to GBV Prevention: Municipal leaders prioritized bringing the programme directly to rural communities to ensure residents know their rights and where to seek help, addressing challenges of isolation and stigma.
- Collaborative Efforts and Partner Involvement: The event was supported by multiple partners including SAPS, DEDEAT, moral organizations, health and social departments, traditional leaders, and others to enhance the effectiveness of GBV awareness and support services.
As part of Women’s Month, the Nyandeni Local Municipality hosted a Women’s Caucus and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness programme in Zibungu Village, Ward 2 in Libode. The event aimed to confront the deep impact of GBV on women in rural areas, where isolation, stigma, and lack of access to support services often lead to silence and underreporting.
Municipal leaders said bringing the programme directly to the community was essential. “We want people to know their rights and where to turn for help if they experience abuse,” officials explained, noting that proximity is key for rural residents who may otherwise be unable to access services.
The day brought together multiple partners, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), the Moral Regeneration Movement, O.R. Tambo Special Programmes Unit and District Commissioner, the Department of Health, the Department of Social Development, the Thuthuzela Care Centre, the Council of Churches, and traditional leaders.
Workshops and discussions focused on breaking the cycle of silence, offering survivors a pathway to report abuse safely, and challenging harmful social norms that enable violence. Residents also had the opportunity to speak directly to service providers and receive information on available support.
The municipality repeated its stance that tackling GBV requires consistent community engagement, not just awareness campaigns. Leaders pledged to continue working closely with partners to bring similar programmes to more wards.
