Khadija Patel-Allie from the MJC Women’s Forum said: “Gender-based violence is a silent, insidious serpent that is cutting through all barriers of society.
It does not discriminate and affects the young and old, the rich and poor, no matter their race, social status, political affiliation or religion.
“We can only address gender-based violence in society when we choose to identify and acknowledge the enormous effect it has on communities. It is critically threatening the existence of healthy, functioning societies in South Africa.”
Patel-Allie said society could no longer stand by and watch idly as the “vicious cycle” of abuse continued.
Fahdil Emandien, from the MJC social development department, said: “Ninety percent of the cases attended to by our social workers are related to abuse.”
Nuraan Osman, the managing director at the Ihata Shelter for Women and Children in Heideveld, said their beds were often full due to numerous cases of abuse.


“It is important for the religious fraternity to do something because people listen and take guidance from them,” said Osman.
“Our beds, and the beds of other shelters, are often full. It clearly shows there is a big problem, and many women are turning to shelters.
“They are being deprived of their basic human rights, and families don’t often want to support them.”
Osman said creating awareness was important.
“We can’t perpetuate patriarchy.
“We need to stop turning a blind eye and pretending it is not happening in our families, that it is not our business when we notice incidents of gender-based violence.
“Tomorrow the person is dead, then we cry at the funeral.”
Partner organisations in attendance included the South African Human Rights Commission, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Western Cape Religious Leaders Forum.
The Ihata Shelter for Abused Women and Children, Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children, Sonke Gender Justice, Rape Crisis and Islamic Relief South Africa were also part of the march.

Source: IOL